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MEAT CONTROL

SAVINGS TO PRODUCERS

A GOOD YEAR FOR THE FARMER

THE CHILLED BEEF PROBLEM,

The third annual meeting of the New Zealand Meat Producers' Control Board was held in Wellington to-day. Mr. D. Jones presided over a large attendance of producers.

The secretary, Mr. 0. C. Smith, announced the unopposed return of Messrs. W. M. Perry, Masterton; J. O. N. Grigg, Longbeach; and J. S. Jessep, Wairoa, as members of the board representing producers. In moving the adoption of the report for the year (the greater part of which was published in- "The Post"), the chairman first referred to the gathering of producers as of great value in affording an opportunity for the interchange of ideas. Reviewing the year, the chairman said it had been most satisfactory for the sheepfarmer. Wool was, on the whole, satisfactory, especially for those who got in early. So far as prices of meat were concerned, the farmer had good reason for satisfaction. Never previously- had prices been so regular and steady, * and in fact in. general, never so high. Consumption was satisfactory. Advices received were that all New Zealand lamb would be consumed before Australian came on to the market. The volume of export of New Zealand meat had greatly increased, and he quoted returns to prove that. At least 6,500,000 freight carcasses would be exported this year, or 800,000 carcases more than last year, the carcass being taken at 601b. Beef had caused anxiety, and this especially affected the North Island. The board had' endeavoured to cut the cost of beef wherever possible, and beef was better last year for the producers. This year 76,500 more carcasses of pork had been shipped than last year. So far as chilled beef was concerned; the board was closely following that matter. But experience from Australia had not satisfied the board that it was a commercial success. However, there was a strong probability in experimental shipments of chilled beef this coming export season. In any case, there was not the great difference in price of chilled and frozen that some people might imagine. He quoted prices realised in Smithfield for chilled and frozen beef, and his conclusion was that —over the year—there was practically no difference in price, so far as forequarters were concerned; with hindquarters it was different, for they were worth Jd to Id per pound better. But he thought there were other factors —. not guesswork—showing that while it would be an advantage to have a chilled beef trade, it had yet to be proved to be a commercial success. However, they were going to test this matter.

THE UPWARD MOVE

Sheep were increasing and mutton production had taken the upward move. Thero was going to be a substantial inorease of lambs for export, especially so with the increased attention given to top dressing of pasture. He was sure production and export of meat could be increased. In 1918 there were 26,528,----302 sheep, and in 1922 there were 22,----222,259, but there were 343,800 more dairy cows than in 1918. Financial stress forced them to export their capital in the shape of sheep wanted on the farms. In 1925 there were 24,002,742 sheep, and ,in increase of over one and a half million lambs over the 1922 total. Hon.vy sheep were less profitable than light mutton, and much less profitable than lambs and dry sheep.

CONTROL

As to the regulation of shipments, it. had been subject to very severe criticism, but the investigations of the British Commission had justified the policy pursued. Control, he said, was effectively and wisely used, and it was beneficial to the whole trade, apart from speculators. Referring to publicity, Mr. Jones stressed the value of the Wembley exhibit. He also Baid that British butchers, when selling frozen meat, plastered their shops with announcements if that meat was from New Zealand, but if from elsewhere did not make any reference to its origin. It showed how New Zealand aa a country of origin waa associated with high quality. Mr. Jones read extracts from butchering firms to the effect that New Zealand meat waa specified and demanded, and that the description "Australasian" was disappearing from the public mind in so far as Now Zealand meat waa concerned. Not only meat, but wool statistics should and would be insisted upon, and no doubt would be made public. The regulation of shipments made the matter of storage charges less important, as the average storage was now only two weeks.

BRITISH TRADE CONDITIONS

British trade conditions were now not good. The question of preference was £itannn tOm£ 8 ' ?t th" Spirit behind the iI,UUO,OOO subsidy was more important than the money. It was imperative that New Zealanders should purchase British goods. The value of a London office to the producer was immense, and this was particularly shown in shipments to other markets. Kepressntation upon the spot was all-important. There were no startling changes in refrigeration, though it was known that improvements could be effected in the freezing of meat, and with those developments the board was closely in touch. The need for faster vessels was evident, and new vessels now being built would reduce the time of transport considerably. Time, apart from chilled meat, was not so important, but the trade and passenger services of the Dominion had to be considered. The grading and supervision were giving good results. While the board's finances were sound, •it was a sound principle to build a good reserve in times of prosperity. The reelection of the board showed at least a healthy confidence, and gave the board tho chance of pursuing a settled policy. He congratulated officers, and moved the adoption of the report. Mr. J. H. Joll (Hawkes Bay) seconded the adoption of the report.

QUESTION OF GRADING

The qnestion of grading was raised by Mr. W. G. Sherratt (Dannevirke) who pointed out that, while sheep were graded under the names of "black face," or "Leicester," beef was graded merely as "first" and "second." This did not recompense the producer, who devoted time to turning out well-shaped carcasses and good strains of beef cattle.

Dealing with tho question of freezing on owners' account, raised by a questioner, the chairman said it was largely a matter of prices. While prices were at a high level farmers were satisfied to sell to the exporter. The law could be laid down, and fanners must use their own judgment. Argentine farmers' hands were tied in this respect, but. it had always been the policy of trip hoard to allow farmers a free hand in the matter. In connection with the Continental trade.

the big exporting firms were doing a very great service to the producers of New Zealand. It was suggested that they had reached the time when they should be able to go into the handling and selling of their own meat. It could certainly be done, but why do it, when it was being equally well and cheaply done by others? They were getting a "good deal" now. The policy of the board was to get the highest price for the producer. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr. John Trotter (Fairlie), referring to certain happenings in Canterbury, suggested "that all lambs sold for cash should be paid for within fourteen days, and that stock belonging to the vendor should be his property until paid for."

The chairman said that the matter raised would be given full consideration.

"SUPER-GRADE" NO ADVANTAGE

Mr. J. D. Hall (Hororata) urged the establishment of a super grade of lamb that would be known, without question, as the world's best. This was being produced only in small quantities in New Zealand to-day. The reason was that it was not worth while. H« did not know the cost that would be incurred in establishing such a super grade, but unless there were effort in this direction the demand would not increase.

Other speakers stressed the narrow margin in price between high grade and second grade lamb, and spoke of the common practice of producing heavy lamb rather than prime.

The chairman said that the institution of a real super grade would make first-grade lamb second grade, and existing second grade, third grade. It was a question whether it would be wise for the meeting to pass an opinion without fuller consideration.

Mr. Jessep said that while the position on the Home market could only be retained by quality, but the institution of a super-grade would merely divide farmers at the present stage.

Mr. Joll said that if the 321b lamb was the ideal, what benefit would accrue by the institution of a super-grade when it paid to allow the lamb to grow heavier before sale.

The meeting was opposed to a motion on the lines of Mr. Hall's suggestion.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19250827.2.88

Bibliographic details

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 50, 27 August 1925, Page 7

Word Count
1,465

MEAT CONTROL Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 50, 27 August 1925, Page 7

MEAT CONTROL Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 50, 27 August 1925, Page 7