PORKERS AND BACONERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 May 1943, Page 2

PORKERS AND BACONERS

PURCHASE BY DEPARTMENT

WELLINGTON, May 18. After the recent announcement of the total prohibition of the sale ol pork for an initial period of two months from May 20, the Minister of Marketing (Mr Barclay), in a statement to-day, said the Marketing Department would, during these and subsequent months, purchase both porkers and baconers, the objective bring to secure maximum supplies lor the armed forces. The Minister enuphasised with regard to the North island, that all producers of Winter porkers and baconers would be assured of receiving the increased prices already announced. Winter prices for both classes of produce wore to be paid on “heads on” basis. The prohibition of the sale of pork.in both Islands, he said, meant that porker pfgs of a weight range of 601201 b heads on, would automatically be taken over by the Marketing Department when killed, the only exception being in the case of hospitals or similar institutions which, on application to the Food Controller, might be permitted to obtain supplies from freezing works or abattoirs, either direct or through an authorised contractor. With regard to the South Island the Minister said that, as from today the Marketing Department would become a purchaser of porkers at 8d per lb for first quality, delivered on hooks at freezing works, the dressed weight including the head. Second qual.ty porkers would be gd per lb less, this being the same differential as in the North Island. The price of 8d represented an increase of f|d per lb over the top Winter price in the North Island, but this was justified on account of higher South Island production costs. All South Island producers were assured of receiving this price from now until the end of October.

The Marketing Department’s price in the South Island would, likewise, be incerased to 8d per lb, heads on, delivered, on hooks. The dressed weight for first quality baconers was 121-1701 b with a yd per lb deduction lor second quality, and these prices would apply for the same period as for porkers. The Minister added that South Island companies were requested to act as agents for the Marketing Department, paying owners for pigs on the basis set out above.