MEAT PRESERVING

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 48, 25 August 1939, Page 15

MEAT PRESERVING

DEVELOPMENT URGED

TO EASE FREEZING

SIR W, ANGUSS STATES CASE

(By Telegraph—Press Association,)

AUCKLAND, August 24

Greater development of the meat preserving industry in New Zealand and Australia in order to reduce the quantity of frozen mutton exports was advocated by Sir William Anglisa. M.L.C.. Melbourne, on his return from a six months' holiday tour of England and Europe, i Till recently Sir William was managing director of one of the largest meat concerns in Australia, as well as associated with a dozen other subsidiary companies, with which he has ■now severed all connection.

Sir William referred to recent negotiations to obtain permission from the British Government to forgo the quota in order that all surplus mutton might be shipped from New Zealand. He said this indicated how seriously the question of extending the mutton preservation industry should be considered in New Zealand, as well as in Australia. It would have the effect, he added, of improving the price for mutton on the London market, which for some months had been far too low to preserving interests to be profit' able. LABOUR COSTS A DIFFICULTY. "I am suggesting a way out, whereby those compelled to dispose of their sheep to freezing works may be able j to do so under more profitable conditions," Sir William continued. "Some adjustments would necessarily be in' volved, and ojie of the first would haves to be in connection with labour costs, which in both countries are very much in excess of those to be faced by our competitors in South America. "An effort should be made to arrange with workers' unions covering this branch of We industry to modify labour costs, so that mutton preservation may be put on a profitable foot' ing," he said. "If that could be done there would probably be a big increase in the demand for labour m this branch of the industry. We are not now preserving nearly the quantity of mutton that is warranted, and there is not the demand for frozen mutton, though lamb is marketed at a quite satisfactory price, '•I would also suggest that an effort should be made by meat boards in both countries to pay a bonus on preserved mutton exports to assist the in* dustry. The matter is one that really should receive very serious attention from Governments^ meat boards, meat works, and workers' unions." Sir William added that the present preservation plants could cope with much greater orders than were required and, if satisfactory arrangements were made, no extensions would b^tecessary to increase the output tre^ mewbusly. If any increase became necessary it would be a small item and promptly overcome. Sir William was accompanied by Lady Angliss and their daughter.