EMPIRE TRADE

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 13 August 1925, Page 5

EMPIRE TRADE

ECONOMIC COMMITTEE’S REPORT

RESEARCH IN CHILLED AIEAT

COMMENT ON PROPOSALS

BY CABLE—I'RKSS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

LONDON, Aug. H. The meat importers welcome the proposed expenditure on research regarding chilled beef, because the low temperature research station at CamOridge, which up to the present has been doing excellent work in this direction, is greatly handicapped by the smallness of the funds available. Proposals for marking Empire goods meet with general approval, though it is pointed out that the Australian and New Zealand egg trade is likely to suffer if each egg is marked with the country of origin, for housewives and teashops are hardly likely to buy eggs which bear visible evidence that they are eight weeks old. Consequently their sale will be chiefly to cake makers and pastrycooks, who cannot afford to pay 2d apiece wholesale, which was tke price realised last season.—A. and N.Z. Assn. NO GREAT ENTHUSIASM. A ALONG HANDLERS OF EMPIRE GOODS. NEED FOR HELP NOT APPARENT. LONDON, Aug. 11. Inquiries amongst handlers of Dominion produce failed to discover any great enthusiasm about the Economic Committee's recommendation. This indifference is apparently due to the fact that traders generally, as a result oi previous experiences, have not much faith in government interference in business, and also that the need of assistance does not at present appeal to be urgent, as, with the exception of frozen beef, practically ail the Dominions’ produce has been selling remarkably *well, making line prices this season, and there is no reason to anticipate any decrease in demand, unless something exceptional happens. An advertising scheme is regarded as likely to prove helpful in popularising Empire products.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RECOAIAtENDATIONS CRITICISED. LONDON, Aug. 11. Mr Ben Alorgan, chairman of the Council of the British Empire Producers’ Organisation, criticising the recommendations of the Imperial Economic Committee, says: “Producers won id much have preferred the committee to have reviewed the more practical and immediate problems with which the whole position is involved, like grading, packing, warehousing, shipping, storage and sel'ing methods, also co-operative selling and marketing, ihe committee could practically assist most of these bv giving a lead to the general policy of rendering financial assistance in the form of bounties or grants to specific industries. This would be extremely valuable, especially to the younger industries and those barely surviving as a result of foreign competition. Producers will welcome the research proposals. “We consider the recommendation to spend 65 per cent, on advertising out of proportion. Our first attention .should he directed to grading, packing, and practical marketing to ensure ample supplies coining forward in a continual stream, one part of the Empire supplementing another in different seasons. Then should come intensive advertising.” Air J. B. Oramsie (chairman of the Australian Meat Council) gave it as his opinion that the recommendations should be welcomed by the Dominions as a spur on the producers to improve production, grading and packing, therebv enabling consumers in Britain to secure a guaranteed regular supply of Empire products at prices well within their purchasing power. He emphasised •the necessity for thorough scientific research into refrigerating. Air Cramsie hoped the proposed committee would favourably consider the Question of cold storage, in the United Kingdom and ocean freights. He declared that freight assistance for transporting stud stock would give the Dominions an opportunity to bring flocks and herds to the highest standard, oi duality. He was sure an advertising campaign would educate millions to the necessity for and the desirability of demanding Dominion products where home - grown products were not avainble. - .. Referring to the recommendations. Hr James Allen (High Commissioner for New Zealand), said that if the Imperial Government spends £650,000 on education and publicity and insists on the marketing and labelling of goods with the country of origin, the result will inevitably he beneficial. The Dominions give hosts of consumers an .opportunity of buying Empire goo'ds. New Zealand meat supplies were adequate ‘■'w the whole year, and as soon as the Dairv Board is effectively functioning butter ami cheese supplies wi ! i he continuous. , , _ The Morning Post and the Dadv Chronicle devote their chief editorials to the Economic Committee’s recommendations, laying stress on their bearing upon economic settlement.