MEAT IN STORE

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 85, 7 October 1920, Page 7

MEAT IN STORE

SALE TO VESTEYS

DISPOSAL ON CONTINENT,

Information, respecting the reported sale of Australasian meat to Vestey Bros, was supplied to the Honse of Representatives yesterday by the Prime Minister in reply to ai question by Mr. G. Hunter (Waipawa). The Prime Minister said he had just received from the High Commissioner (Sir James Allen) the following reply to , his inquiry :— - "Official, statement issued last week p that Ministry of Foot? has sold its re- ' maining stocks of Australasian beef, and I received representations from nominated agents who express serious concern as to the effect of such sale on account of diversion of New Zealand beef from ordinary channels. Accordingly I inter viewed Director of Meat Supplies, and he this morning submits following information : " 'Ministry of Food advises that it hns.spld all New Zealand beef,' in store . in New. Zealand, afloat, and in storeUnited Kingdom, to Weddel Beef Company, Rotterdam. Primary object of buyers is for sale on Continent, but they have right -to sell in United Kingdom. Arrangements for additional tonnage being made'in conjunction with Tonnage Committee. This will materially expedite clearance of New Zealand stores. Await allocation of steamers before making any further shipments of beef.' ■ "Deal includes Australian and New Zealand beef. Weddel Beef Company is Vesteys. and additional tonnage referred to will consist of Veateys' Blue Star steamers. Ministry expects that major portion of_beef will be disposed of outside United Kingdom ami gives as reason for sale fact that during last, few months Australasian beef has been selling very slowly indeed. Ministry's instruction from Treasury .was to liquidate ns soon as possible. It considers action taken is in best interests .of all concerned, as this will relieve possible congestion, and hasten return to normal market conditions. ' ''. "I am informed also that Ministry has sold all cut ewes, will be delivered, ex store Great Britain, for shipment to Continental countries." The Prime Minister said he entirely agreed with the opinion expressed that the sale was advantageous for New Zealand, and would result In clearing .the stocks for the new season's meat. The cut ewe carcases in Btore totalled 200,- . GOO, and there were a million freight carcases of beef, or 83,000 beef carcases. 1 The position of stocks of frozen meat on hand at 6th October, 1920, in 601b freight carcases, was as follows :— : On hand at 15th September 5,091,844 i Less allocated and to be loaded in September-October • steamers ...„..„;....::,.'.. -1,221,443 ! 3,870,401 i Loss allocated and t6 be load- • ■ , ed in October-November , steamers 1,085,400 • Estimated stocks to be on, ' hand at 15th November, 1920 ..' 2,786,001 .Sven without the Blue Star steamers, there would be less than two million carcases iv store at the end of the year. , The information was' thoroughly satis- . : factory, and showed thnt when, the new , season started they would be well on the ■ way to normal. ' ;