CHILLED BEEF

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 64, 17 March 1933, Page 9

CHILLED BEEF

TRIAL SHIPMENT

MEW PROSPECT OPENED

FARMERS INTERESTED

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.") MASTERTON, This Day. "The beef arrived, in good condition/ said Mr. P. Bortlnvick yestcr-: day, referring to the arrival in London of the Port Fairy with its cargo of chilled beef shipped by Messrs. Thos. Bortlnvick and Sons from their Waingawa works. "It is very gratifying, indeed," ho said, "to know that the shipment has been a success." Commenting on a cablegram which reported the condition of the beef as moderate, with many quarters affected with black mould, jlr. Bortlnvick said he was inclined to question the statement as to mould. It was quite possible, that some forequartcrs were affected, but hardly, lie thought, to tho extent indicated. "Someone," he observed, "has apparently got hold of the wrong end, of the stick."' - ■ A full report'would bo received in due course from the experts at Home. Owing to heavy supplies of Argentine and Brazilian chilled beef,~ the prices realised for the New Zealand consignment when it was placed on tho market on Wednesday were comparatively low. The main thing, however, was that the experiment had been conducted, and conducted satisfactorily. Credit was duo to the Commonwealth and Dominion Line for its assistance and co-operation in the matter. The fast time recorded on tho run Home had been an excellent performance. Part of the consignment, Mr. Borthwick said, had been sampled afc an enjoyable luncheon held in London on Wednesday, and according to cabled advice, "the meat had eaten very well, both hot and cold." FUTURE POSSIBILITIES. Questioned regarding future developments in connection with tho trade, Mr. Borlhwiek said that personally he would like to see a regular export trade opened up. He was thoroughly convinced as to its possibilities and to its widespread benefits to tho pastoral industry of tho -Dominion. Urifortuately, however, the present adverse market conditions, combined with other unsettling effects of the depression, tended to hamper to a very material degree the natural-course of progress and.development that would be adopted in normal times. The experiment had been, well worth while, and its results would not be lost sight of. The experience gained by the experiment would bo invaluable when another shipment was contemplated. Touching on the question oiNtho need of raising the standard of Dominion herds in order thaV breeders might be in a position to take advantage of any opening up of an export trade in chilled beef, Mr. Borthwick said that it opened up a big problem and would call for careful consideration. Ho had no doubts, however, regarding tho standard of the herds in tho Wairarapa. "Wo have killed better beef at Waingawa this year than ever before," ho said, "and the quality throughout ha 3 been very good." Much interest in the shipment was shown by members at the meeting yesterday of the Wairarapa provincial executive of the Farmers' Union. In an extended discussion due prominence was given to the part the Meat Board had taken in the experiment in addition to guaranteeing the exporting firm against half of any loss incurred not over £500. . Air J. C. Cooper, after referring to the big possibilities of the chilled beef trade, moved: "That the Meat Producers' Board be.asked to keep growers aware of the requirements of tho Home meat trade and how local growers are best to meet Home requirements; also to supply the fullest information re-! carding the typo of cattle to grow for chilled beef export, the most suitable j type of feeding to achieve the best results, and the fullest possible details of costs." , . RESOLUTION CARRIED. Sir William Perry observed that there was no quota restriction on the export of chilled beef from the Argentine, but that country had agreed with Britain to reduce its exports for two months by 10 per cent, The British Government would not agree at Ottawa to put a quota'on ■ chilled beef. Koij doubt they wanted to retain a bargaining point. There had been a good deal of bargaining since. In frozen beef,-the Argentine was cut dqwn pretty extensively and might, bo cut down" more. Already the way had been opened to a considerably increased export of frozen Ijeef from the Dominion. The Meat Board, would provide all the information it could, but the board was in a difficult position. It dared not prophesy and must avoid putting out j information that might mislead somebody. : . Tho huge amounts of meat exported to Britain last year had overstocked the market and big buyers now seemed to be afraid to lay in stocks. A lack of confidence was the crux of the whole question at present. The meat that was going Home was going into consumption, but there was, as he had said, a lack of, confidence. He hoped that what the Meat Board ivas doing would awaken that confidence and raise prices a bit. ■

The resolution, which had been seconded' by Mr. J. 11. Bremnor, was carried.