NO PORK FOR EXPORT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1362, 13 February 1912, Page 8

NO PORK FOR EXPORT.

A FACTORY MANAGER'S VIEWS. In the opinion of Mr. J. Allan, manager of the Inglewood Bacon Factory, there will be practically no pork exported from Now Zealand this year. Pressed for a reason Mr. Allan informed a Taranaki "News" representative that there were perhaps two reasons, the most important of which was the big shortage of pigs. Last year, he added, there were plenty of pigs coming forward, but this season dairy farmers seemed to have gone in for calves as their side line, good prices—up to 35s.—being offered. Those farmers, however, who had stood by the pig were obtaining very good prices for their stock. Never before, a.s in the case of this year, had he known the price paid to farmers to remain at 3d. as far into the season as February. Usually prices declined about M. by December. Present indications were that there would be no drop right through the season. Owing to the shortage of supplies the wiiolo of the output in New Zealand would, it appeared, be consumed in the Dominion. Any surplus pork from last season had long since been cleaned out. and certain, factories had even had to import two shipments of carcasses from Australia. Another factor precluding the export of pigs to England this year was the price at present ruling, it being only ■Mil. per lb. This was less than what w"as being paid to farmers. Prom other remarks inado by Mr. Allan, the reporter gathered that those concerned with the industry are sometimes faced with this problem: When all the dairy farmers went in for pigs the factories got more than was required for local consumption, and prices sometimes declined in consequence. When they reached a certain production they had to export and throw themselves on the tender mercies of the Home market. Then, on the other hand, if, as had happened this year, number* of farmers deserted pigs in favour of calves, the price rose considerably, and the result was that certain farmers lamented the fact that they had gone over fo the other camp. As further illustrative of the varying conditions of the market it is stated that for the first nine months of last year about 13.000 carcasses of pork were exported from the Dominion. That the bacon industry has grown in recent years, however, is seen in the fact that in 1902 less than 2000 pigs wree put through the Tnglewood factory. Last year no fewer than about 5000 animals were slaughtered. Chick-rearing Is not only profitable, but a pleasure, when you feed "A and P." Chick Piaiser. It is a complete and properly-blended food for Young Chicks. Obtainable from all storekeepers.—Advt.