TO SOLVE THE MEAT PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 139, 8 March 1941, Page 8

TO SOLVE THE MEAT PROBLEM

Urgent Need Of LongRange Policy Almost unimaginably lucky has been the lot of the New Zealand meat producers over the past two years. They suffered no drought as did those of Australia or loss of markets as did those of Argentina; on the contrary, bounteous seasons provided record outputs, the “commandeer” gave good prices and so far ns producers are concerned, an assured market for the whole two season’s big production. And as an extra stroke of good fortune, the surplus mutton problem of April, 1939, 'was disposed of by Britain’s generous provision of 1939-40 shipping. In such manner has good luck been with us till now.

A changed atmosphere has, however, come upon us; problems that can be no longer deferred must be faced up to and solved as best they can be; as circumstances beyond our control permit. There are grave problems and requisite to their reasonably satisfactory solution will be—fullest information, high enterprise, courage and a keen spirit of co-operation. Unfortunately, the history of the past eight months does not encourage optimism as concerns these needed qualities. Inspiring leadership to which meat-pro-ducers were entitled, has not been conspicuously noticeable. A change of heart and spirit must be vouchsafed those responsible for our meat policy if the problems now facing the meat industry are to be satisfactorily solved. Practical realism must replace disarming optimism and laissez faire. Recrimination over past conduct is usually to be condemned, but here it. is necessary to drive home the need urged, for a change of heart. Eight months ago, when France fell, “the writing on the wall” told of shipping problems to come. September s published shipping losses under-wrote that warning, as did mounting losses there* after. Yet in November, official opinion, here scouted any suggestion of a shipping problem. Over six months ago, a promising plan for treatment of export meats was put forward by Mr.-Sam S. Timbs, Wanganui. This was widely published, and met with considerable approval. A body of Wanganui farmers offered a gilt shipment of meat as a trial of the methods. The “Timbs' plan" has been politely pigeon-holed. It was never given a practical trial; nor was any worthwhile alternarive action taken. In the background were two strong ramparts namely the Government undertaking given last spring to piirchase all export meats ont taken from this season s production, by the Imperial Government; and the enlarged storage capacity of the freezing works. Producers naturally drew confidence from knowledge of these two factors and properly so. Then came the early January announcement from Britain that meat shipping space would be. restricted considerably for the balance of this season and without promise of easement thereafter. There ensued weeks and weeks of negotiation between Government, Meat Board freezing works represeiitatives. A successful conclusion” to these was announced on February 22. It is understood that the conclusion provided tha, the State should purchase any meat held beyond six months in store, at British contract prices, but without payment of interest or storage fee thereon. I resumably storage fees would be thereafter payable so long as the meat is held here. Almost negligible changes were announced in processing of meats and drafting ot stock was to be carried on as normal. Coupled with this announcement, the Meat Board issued a statement—declaring that meat was processed as Britain ordered, strongly defending_ telescoping and inferen.tially and in quite damning terms, condemning the “Timb’s plan. It was not a convincing statement, being founded upon “opinions,” without adequate supporting facts. At the same time, producers’ hopes that all was well were raised by annouhcerrient of schedule increases on lamb and mutton. A happy reaction over the weekend February 22 and 23 was rudely shattered on the 24th by a most outspoken statement here made iby the visiting Australian, Mr. H. L. Anthony., Assistant Minister of Commerce and Finance in the Commonwealth Government, who was accompanied by Mr. A. C. W. Fisken, chairman of the Australian Meat Board. A policy was advocated in direct contradiction to our officially declared one of two days before. Presumably as a result a meeting of Meat Board delegates was hurriedly called for Thursday, February 27, and as the outcome of this a yolte face statement was issued by Minister and Meat Board on Saturday, March 1. In one week, officialdom had had its eyes opened. The Australian viewpoint was adopted, viz.: (1) Increased meat production was not to be desired and this should be cultivated in minds- of producers : (2) _ the accumulation in store of large quantities of low-grade meats was undesirable. Australia so deeded on January 20, about two weeks after Britain gave warning and implemented this policy on February 1. Our authorities did not so awaken till March 1 am! apparently they intend taking no decisive action till next season’s opening, say eight months hence. It is not a pleasant position following on the optimistic hopes raised. Prior to the great seasonal turnover in lambs, rams and ewes, of January-February, producers could at least have been warned to go steadily. Not panicked, but urged to caution and gently so. So much for “might have beens.” What is now to be faced? It would seem that the shipping problem is here for the balance of this year, plus all 1942. And so no short-term policy is sound. It is held also that piling up of long-stored stocks of low-grade meats will create, grave postwar marketing problems. It is, however, our duty to provide a maximum of leanmeat (protein food) to Britain, carried in the least possible ship space and to maintain here at all times a substantial but not over-great reserve stock. At the same time it is needful to maintain our New Zealand economy; to secure as much sterling exchange as possible that the Dominion may meet its committments and < to provide' meat-producers .with an in- ■ come wherewith to maintain our lamb- ■ ing strength. To these ends every economy in meat processing must be practised, to conserve space. Canning should be developed to | the utmost possible extent. Low-value i meats should be “boiled down”; used as meat-meals and fertilizers, rather than allowed to occupy valuable storage space. This to take effect this very month. The “Timbs plan” should be at once given a substantial trial shijnymt. An "internal schedule” should be work-

ed out to give adequate reward to producers, regardless of export values of meats, any losses to the industry being debited against the Dominion ns a whole as a war expense. A long-range policy should be worked out, immediately, and active, informed and informative leadership given producers. To solve this meat problem is no easy task and drifting will provide no solution.