MEAT TRADE WITH U.K.

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30348, 25 January 1964, Page 14

MEAT TRADE WITH U.K.

“Streamlining Report” Soon

The report of the committee which has been investigating methods of “streamlining” the meat trade between New Zealand and Britain was due to come out next month and should contain “som thing worth while,” Mr M. H. R. Sandwith, a London director of Thomas Borthwick and Sons (Australasia), Ltd., said in Christchurch yesterday. During the last year a committee led by Sir Henry Benson worked with the London meat interests, in conjunction with a committee working in New Zealand. The investigation has been towards an improved shipping service between the two countries so that the rising costs in freight rates might be halted and, if possible, lowered, Mr Sandwith said.

Already a number of very worthwhile suggestions have been put forward, some of which were already in practice, he said.

"As always, when new suggestions are made, it is going to take some time to produce the proper sense of balance between the requirements of the ships and the needs of the meat trade. However, I am convinced something very worthwhile will emerge from the committee’s report,” Mr Sandwith said. Meat Talks

Mr Sandwith declined to comment on meat markets and trade in Great Britain and Europe because of the pending conference in London on meat exports to Britain.

These talks were very important and he felt that any conferences of such importance should be dealt with privately and without the “glare of publicity.” There was no doubt that the type of lamb produced in New Zealand was suitable for the London trade, because each year more and more meat was being imported. However, Mr Sandwith said this did not mean that the New Zealand producer should rest on his laurels. Farmers in this country should keep trying to improve their product. Mr Sandwith is paying a routine business visit to the country and will leave for Australia on February 3.