MEAT QUOTAS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 119, 13 February 1935, Page 10

MEAT QUOTAS

Ottawa Arrangement Beneficial BRITAIN & DOMINION Favourable Treatment Accorded “The Ottawa Agreement and negotiations conducted thereafter will show to those who carefully examine and 'compare the prices then and now that the arrangement so far has been beneficial to New Zealand,” said the Minister of Finance, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, to a “Dominion” reporter last night in a statement on exports of meat. . “The United Kingdom in building up her own agriculture is regulating meat, imports, and we as a country can, and have, expressed our objections to any policy which would have the effect of restricting our development. But if we can judge the mind of our people correctly there is a widespread desire at all times to co-operate with the United Kingdom, and it should be our endeavour, after expressing our views, to fit in with their plans and policy, and above all to ensure a continued expansion of our exports. This does not mean that at all times we agree with what is proposed. Every opportunity is taken to acquaint the British Government with the effect of such suggestions on our development; and in one instance, that of dairy produce, we have not agreed to the expressed desire of the United Kingdom Government. Results of Conferences.

“The New Zealand Government and our representatives in the United Kingdom are in daily communication with the British Government with the definite objective of securing not only mutually satisfactory arrangements, but the best possible solution for New Zealand. I may say that New Zealand has had very sympathetic and favourable treatment as regards the question under discussion. The New Zealand Government has secured a meat quota which we think will be satisfactory. It provides for a definite expansion for the pig industry. “In the March quarter of 1932, the Ottawa year, the United Kingdom imported 1,387 tons of pork from New Zealand ; for the corresponding quarter of 1935 the agreed upon quota is 3,750 tons. This indicates the British Govefnment’s appreciation of the New Zealand Government’s attitude of cooperation. “It should be realised that apart from the porker quota the New Zealand Government has arranged for expansion in the export of baconers to the United Kingdom. In view of the importance of the bacon trade to Great Britain, the wide scope for development on this side of our pig industry provides an opportunity of which full advantage should be taken by New Zealand producers. Production of Baconers. “The Meat Board has drawn attention to the fact that killings of porkers are over 50 per cent, higher than those of last year. To whatever causes this may be due, it would not be desirable if we were to force prices down by exceeding the demand in the United Kingdom for porkers, especially when there is such a wide expansion arranged for in the export of baconers. Hence, as New Zealand’s arrangements with the United Kingdom will enable New Zealand to export a' considerably higher percentage of baconers than was exported last year, I would urge every farmer to take all possible steps to make preparations now for the production of, baconers. “The present indications are that we Shall have quite sufficient porkers to meet our requirements. On the other hand—and this I would stress —if we produce too many porkers, there is the definite risk of not taking full advantage of the great opportunity offered for the export of baconers. Hence to right the position as between the killings of porkers and the production of baconers, the question of taking action to prevent the killing of porkers for export will have to be seriously considered.

“This year’s Increase in the production of baconers should be provided by November 15 in order to reach the United Kingdom in time. In normal years milk by-products would largely suffice to ensurg' the requisite production, but the present season is such that other types of feed will in many cases be necessary. Seasonal and geographical considerations will determine what may be grown. It seems clear, however, that it will be necessary to provide concentrated feed for the pigs coming on in the spring.”

Mr. Coates added that the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. C. E, Macmillan, and his officers would at all times be ready and willing to advise and assist farmers regarding the cereals and fodder necessary to attain the desired results.

PORKER PIGS

Large Increase ill Export Killings

SCOPE FOR MORE TRADE IN BACONERS

In a statement to the Press, the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board draws attention to the large increase in the export killings of porker pigs as compared with baeoner pigs. A return made up to January 15 discloses that the porker pigs killed for export to this date showed an increase of 52 per cent, a.s compared with the corresponding killing figures for last season to the same date, while the baconers killed for export showed an increase of only 16 per cent., “whereas Great Britain' has already indicated that she is prepared to take from this Dominion this Season 50 per cent, more baconers than she took from us last year." “When it is considered that the trade in Great Britain absorbs only about 40,000 tons of imported porkers as against 500,000 tons of bacon, hams and baconers. equivalent to -approximately 050.000 tons baeoner pigs, it will be seen that the imported baeoner trade into the United Kingdom is approximately sixteen times more than the imported porker trade.” states the board. “New Zealand’s share of this baeoner trade is relatively insignificant. whereas her share of the imported porker pig trade is substantial. This is an aspect of the position that farmers should not overlook in our pork export trade, especially with the question of quotas in the air, aud they

should therefore make their arrangements to convert as large a percentage of pigs into the baeoner class as they possibly can. "The Meat Board is in constant communication with its representatives In the United Kingdom, who have been kept fully in touch with the export killings of pork in the Dominion.”