PIG MEAT SHORTAGE

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1943, Page 2

PIG MEAT SHORTAGE

GOVERNMENT TO BUY PORKERS AND BACONERS. WELLINGTON, May 18. After the recent announcement of the total prohibition of the sale of 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 being to secure maximum supplies for the armed forces. The Minister 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 were to be paid on “heads on” basis. The prohibition of the sale of pork in both Islands, he said, meant that porker' pigs 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 permittee 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 quality porkers would be Sd per lb less, this being the, same differential as in the North Island. The price of 8d represented an increase of 3d per lb over the top Winter price in the North Island, out this was justified on account ot hlgher South Island production costs. AU South Island producers were assured of receiving this price from now until the end of October. The Marketing Departments price in the South Island would likewise, be increased to 8n per lb, . heads offdelivered, on hooks. The dressed weight for first duality baconers was 121-1701 b with a 3-8 per lb> ded " for second quality an H these P would apply for the same period as to The rß Minister added that South Island companies were requested_t act as agents for the Marketing De partment, paying owners for PNS < the basis set out above.