N.Z. Beef Export

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 33, 2 November 1933, Page 13

N.Z. Beef Export

Sir,—The mere suggestion to impose * quota restriction on cheese exports has provoked the violent discussion it deserves. But what would be said if the Dairy Board arbitrarily, and without any reference to the producers, . placed an absolute ' embargo oh the export of cheese? That is in fact the present position in the meat industry. An absolute embargo on the export of New Zealand beef has been in actual force for some months. -It w«a imposed by the New Zealand Meat Board without warning, without consulting the growers, and without any qualification as to how long it' will apply; this at a time when every shilling that can be obtained from our staple industry is needed more urgently than, ever before. As a result some hundreds of thousands of- beef quarters are held up in tile works—for export some day, nobody knows whep.' In the meantime, cattle growers are severely penalised b.v the fact that export buyers are absolutely in the dark as to what the position will be next year;-and the community as a whole is suffering indirect loss of revenue. The disastrous prices received for three and four-year-old bullocks at recent sales Js a direct indication of the effect which the embargo is..having on-the industry. Surely it is time that the Government or other authority let. growers and buyers know exactly -where they stand. This is a matter of real importance to the country that is more worthy of the attention of some Parliamentarians representing pastoral districts than the trivialities that they occupy their time in discussing. Another point which is worth remarking on is that while the Meat Board is very careful as to the quality of mutton and lamb that is normally exported, it apparently sees no harm in a 20-year-old dairy cow that has outlived its usefulness Ws honed out and exported as beef. This rubbish goes to make up the meat export quota. When the present embargo on export is lifted, this Ipw-qualito' product of dairy farms should be withheld at least until the accumulated stocks or beef have been cleared. Otherwise, the counter will not get the full value tram its meat quota, and the reputation of New Zealand meat continues to be preiudiced. Also, what possible inducement otherwise is there for cattle breeders to improve their herds?. A good deal of hot air. has been expended on the chilled beef question. But, again, what inducement is there for any farmer to attempt '• breeding a type of beef suitable for export as chilled -beef, when at any moment he may find, as at present, that the export gate is slammed in his face/ -it is hardly necessary to say that the present situation plays absolutely intoAhe- hands of the large buyers and exporters who tell the farmer "the price, for cattle is. so-and-so, and we are not prepared to risk paying any more, whatever the market may be like, because we don t know whether we shall be allowed to export or not. — I am, etc. FARMER. Masterton, October 27.