THE H.B. TRIBUNE. SATURDAY, MAY 29th, 1920. THE MEAT PROBLEM.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 141, 29 May 1920, Page 4

THE H.B. TRIBUNE. SATURDAY, MAY 29th, 1920. THE MEAT PROBLEM.

Discussion of the preblem of disposing of next season’s meat output appears to have closed so far as the Primary Producers* Conference now sitting is itself concerned. This body has been found too unwieldly to deal with its complicated details, and the wise decision has been reached to entrust the matter to a composite committee on which producers, freezing companies, bankers, and the Government are , all represented. Though the Conference has thus come to no finite conclusion, some valuable information has been elicited. In the first place, it appears to have been made quite clear that the Imperial Government will not entertain the proposal for an extension of the so far as meat is concerned. On the other hand, the figures adduced by Mr. Massey would seem tc put a less critical aspect upon the situation—that is, of course, if reported anticipations with regard :to shipping are fully realised. Ignoring a possible discrepancy between two sets of figures reported as quoted by the Prime Minister, and accepting likely to be correct the tabulated statement he presented, it is seen that, on present prospects as to further killing and as to controlled shipping, should by November next be something less than three million carcases ; f Imperial meat in our refrigerated stores. Tliis affords some relief of the anxiety felt as to whether even storage room would be available for the meal that is to become “free” after 30th. June next. The shipping companies, on their part, while maintaining a very discreet silence as to prouable freight rates, give assurance, so far as it is possible to see aaead, that Wxui'.n a reasonable time, transport will be forthcoming for all the meat requiring to be shipped.

But, assuming prospects in these two relations to be very appreciably better than anticipated, there is still to be faced the critical questions of securing ready markets with adequate storage at the other end pending distribution among retailers and consumers. Even supposing that the reduced prices at which Imperial accumulations are being offered will induce heavier consumptio’ in Great Britain, the figures cited g< to shew that there will still for some time be enough Imperial meat to pretty well fill the limited storage space Then, again, unless some arrangement can be made with the Home autho rities, there may be something like c cut-throat competition betewen impu rial meat and such free meat as can reach the British consumer. On tins head, however, Mr. Massey seems fairly confident that the I*-..... Government will meet Dominion producers in a liberal spirit, although it is very manifest that it is keenly de sirous of washing its hands at the earliest possible date of a business that has exposed it to so much adverse criticism, both at home and abroad. _..eli there is, of course, the alternative offered of seeking an outlet in the United States, and it is quite on the cards that it will be in this quarter that the most substantial relief will ultimately be found. In fact, it may be that, having in view the further improvement of commercial exenange rates, the Imperial Government will encourage the notion of our exporting to America, if only there may be no fear entertained of this temporary diversion of supplies from their customary destination assuming some undesired measure of permanency. Ivhile on the subject of possible American markets it may be asked whether an opening for at least some of our surplus could not be found at remunerative prices in the sister Dominion. V e fancy that it would be well worth while to make enquiries in this direction, and so, perhaps, find opportunity for promoting the policy of intra-Impe-rial trade. Thus the matter appears to stand at the present moment, and meat-growers can only await the result of the deliberations of the commin.'e that is to be set up.