MEAT QUOTAS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1935, Page 5

MEAT QUOTAS

POSITION OF N.Z.

MR G. W. FORBES 1 STATEMENT.

(Per Press Associations- Copyright WELLINGTON, Jan. 11. “There is no material change wi the position regarding the quotas or the restriction of New Zealand meat exports t 0 the United Kingdom this year,” so the Prime Minister explained to a reporter to-night. “As already announced, we are working on short-dated agreements, having effect until the etid of March. Negotiations, with a view to securing long-term arrangements, are going forward with the British Government. In addition to direct communication between the two governments by telegraph cable, the question is to be discussed further in London. The London conference on the subject will be resumed on the twentieth of this month between representatives of the British Government and the High Commissioner Sir James Parr, who will be supported by Mr David Jones, chairman of the Meat Producers’ -Board.

“It is. of coufse, impossible to say what the outcome of tne discussions may be, but every, oii'ort is being made to arrange for .satisfactory agreements over a longer period. The question involves vital interests for the Dominion, and nothing will be left undone to obtain the best possible results. In all probability, problems affecting the-both countries will be discussed during tlie' Ministerial conferences to. be held in London on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the King’s accession. ±n- the meantime, the position has not altered.”

EFFECT ON SHIPPING. SYDNEY, Jan. 11. The serious effect of the British re* strictions on the exports of beef, mutton and lamb, upon shipping is emphasised by the Overseas Shipping Representatives’ Association here. It was stated that, within twenty-four hours of the restriction, the' bookings for mor 6 than three hundred thousand carcases of mutton and lamb were cancelled. / Already twelve vessels are affected at Sydney and fourteen vessels at Melbourne, where the loss of freight revenue is estimated at £60,000.

There is little hope of filling the cancelled space with other cargo. The shipoweners complain' bitterly that they .'have - not been consulted about the export restriction. They further state that they lost heavily last year when the wool sales were suddenly cancelled, and 150,000 bales of wool were withdrawn. They point out that several freight reductions were also made in recent months entirely in the interests of the Australian export trade.

EMBARGO ON PIGS.

WELLINGTON, Jan. n

As regards the latest restriction on the exportation of porker pigs from New Zealand to the United Kingdom, none of the Cabinet Ministers, when invited to discuss this embargo showed any desire to comment on the question of the policy involved, in the ban. It was pointed out, however, that this restriction, which was gazetted last Thursday, is fin compliance with the requirements of th e British Government in respect of the quantities which may arrive in the United Kingdom on or before March 31st. It is merely itempprary, and it will cease at the end of March.