PRESERVING MEAT

Grey River Argus, 28 August 1939, Page 4

PRESERVING MEAT

NEW METHODS ADVOCATED. AUCKLAND, August 24. Greater development of the meat preservation industry in New Zealand; and Australia to reduce the quantity of frozen mutton exports was adivo-1 rated by Sir William Angliss, M.L.C.,; of Melbourne, on his return from a six weeks’ holiday tour of England; and Europe by the Rangitane. Until, recently Sir William was managing) director of one of the largest meat) concerns in Australia, as well as being associated with a dozen other sub-, sidiary companies with which he has now severed all connection. Sir William referred to recent negotiations to obtain permission from the British Government tn forgo llie 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 j effect, he added, of improving tlic) price for mut ton on the London mar-) koi. which had been far too tow iu) preserving interests for some montns to be profitable “T am suggesting a way out whereby- those compelled to dispose of their sheep to the freezing works may bo able to do so under more profitable conditions,” Sir William continued. “Some adjustments would necessarily) be involved, and one of the first- would have to be in connection with labour costs which, in both countries, are very much in excess of those to be faced bv our competitors in South America. An eft’ori. sliould bo mjicte to arrange with workers* unions covering this branch of the industry to modify labour costs, so that mutton preservation may be put w a pro—j able footing.” He said that if that i could he done there would probably i he a big increase in the demand for; labour in this branch of the industry., “We are not now preserving nearly lhe quantity of mutton that is wu-.- , ranted, and there is not the demand ( for frozen mutton, although lamb is , marketed at quite a satisfactory price. I would also suggest that an effort. . should be made by the meat boards ( in both countries to pay a bonus on , preserved mutton exports to assist the , Industry. The matter is one that , really should receive very serious at- . tention from governments, meat , boards, meat, works, and workers ( unions-” Sir William added that the present preservation plans could cope with much greater orders than were required, and if satisfactory arrange- , rnents were made no extensions would be necessa-v to increase the output ; tremendously. If any increase became , necessary, it would be a small Item, ( and promptly overcome. . , Sir William was accompanied nj f Lady Angliss and their daughter. .