TALK OF QUOTA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 293, 8 November 1934, Page 7

TALK OF QUOTA

REPORT IN AUSTRALIA,

AUTHORITIES ADMIT NEGOTIATIONS.

WITH HOME GOVERNMENT

(United Press Association.—By Electric Tel eg r apli.—Copy rigli t.) Received November 8, 8.5 a.m. SYDNEY, Nov. 8.

It is reported liere that the British Government has requested the Commonwealth to reduce its exports of commodities to Britain, and that it has also announced a prohibition' of the export of frozen beef and veal for two months, beginning on November 15. The announcement has caused consternation.

The Commonwealth authorities declare that they have no official confirmation as to the prohibition of exports, but they admit that negotiations to this end are proceeding by cable.

Mr’ T. A. Playfair, a prominent exporter, declared that the prohibition was a staggering blow to the beef and dairy industries, and would cause considerable unemployment in meat works in Australia. Queensland herds would flood every State, and prices become unpayable at the very moment when he believed the chilled beef industry to be getting on its feet. He urged that something be done to resist the prohibition. The matter arose in the State Assembly, when the Premier (Mr B. S. B. Stevens), replying to questioners, said that there was no actual prohibition from the British Government, merely a request to apply a quota which would ensure a reduction of exports.

BLAME ON DOMINION

FOR BEEF RESTRICTIONS.

Per Press Association,

STRATFORD, Nov. 7. A letter blaming the New Zealand Government for the restriction on beet exports to Britain has been received by a Stratford meat exporter from one of the largest English meat importers. Dealing with contracts entered into with the recipient, the letter states: ■—“Contracts .are out of date so far as shipment is concerned, but I hope no trouble will arise with buyers here on this account, as they have been informed that the delay in shipment is entirely due to the action of the New Zealand Government. You will appreciate that, having entered into a contract for shipment at a stated period, a buyer is not compelled to take goods owing to the interference of the New Zealand Government of shipment contracted for, and a buyer has the right of cancellation if he desires to exercise it.” The communication is dated October 6, and goes on to state that as a result of the restriction of shipments the market at Glasgow is brightening. Prices quoted revealed that beef was being sold at a figure which would return New Zealand farmers £3 to £3 15s for boner cows, whereas they are receiving 6s to 10s for these animals.