EXPORT MEAT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 127, 22 February 1941, Page 12

EXPORT MEAT

Government’s Promise To Purchase

INCREASE IN BUYING SCHEDULE

Successful Conclusion Of Negotiations

flic successful conclusion of negotiations which have extended over several weeks between the Government and representatives of the meat buyers, freezing companies and the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board was announced last evening by the Minister of Agriculture. Mr. Barclay. the purpose of the discussions, said the Minister, was to secure some practical plan by which the Government's promise to purchase all exportable meat produced during the 1940-41 season could be successfully applied without any major dislocation to the normal activities associated with the meat trade.

"Tiie agreement which has now been secured provides in general for the various meat operators to continue their normal buying functions and the freezing works on their part to continue to process and prepare the meat for export in the usual way,” said -Mr. Barclay. "If exportable meat, remains unshipped after a given period, the Government purchase plan automatiealjy becomes operative: and in this way the original undertaking given to producers by the Government will be fuly implemented. "I am also very pleased to announce.” said the Minister, "that as a direct result of this agreement, it was decided today by the meat buyers’ representatives, in consultation with the Director-General of Agriculture and the general manager of the New Zealand Meat Board, to increase the present buying schedule for live stock.” This new schedule, which will iteconie operative as from Monday. February 24. provides for The following increases:— Lambs (all grades) : One-eighth of a penny a lb. Wethers, up to 721 b., one-fourth of :i penny a lb. Ewes, up to 721 b.. one-eighth of a penny a 11).

The Minister concluded by expressing Ids appreciation of the very friendly and co-operative attitude adopted by all representatives during the discussions. It was evident that it was rhe desire of everyone present to find the best means by which the stability of the industry could be maintained during the present emergency period. He felt sure that the announcement he was now able to make would be welcomed by all sections of the farming community throughout the Dominion.