EXPORTS OF MEAT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 65, 13 February 1935, Page 7

EXPORTS OF MEAT

THE BACONER TRADE. MEAT BOARD'S STATEMENT. Per Press Association. • WELLINGTON, Feb. 12. In a statement to-day the Now Zealand Meat Producers’ Board draws attention to the large increase in the export and killings of porker pigs compared with baconer pigs. The respective killings to January Id disclose that porker pigs killed lor export Bhow an increase of 52 per cent, compared with the corresponding killing figures last- season up to the same date, whilst baconers killed for export to this date show an increase of only 16 per cent, compared with killings for the same period last season, whereas Britain has already indicated that she is prepared to take from New Zealand this season 50 per cent, more baconers than she took from us last year. When it is considered that the trade in Britain absorbs only about 40,000 . tons of imported porkers against 500,000 tons of bacon and ham baconers, equivalent to approximately 650,000 tons of baconer pigs, it can be seen that the imported baconer trade into the United Kingdom is approximately 16 times more than the imported porker trade. New Zealand’s share of this baconer trade is relatively insignificant, whereas her share of the imported porker trade is substantial. This aspect of the position farmers should not overlook in our pork export trade, especially with the question of quotas in the air. They should, therefore, make arrangements to convert as large a percentage of pigs into the baconer class as they possibly can. The Meat Board is in constant communication with its representatives in England, who have been kept fully in touch with export killings of pork in New Zealand. BENEFITS FROM OTTAWA. DOMINION’S RIG PRODUCE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb. 12. When the attention of Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates was drawn this evening to the statement by the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board about the -export of porker and baconer pigs, he said it was obvious that any expansion of pig meat exports from New Zealand should be directed towards baconers rather than porkers. This did not mean, of course, that the Dominion should not strive to obtain the largest tonnage possible of the porker trade. The Meat Producers’ Board had pointed out that the United Kingdom imports yearlv about 40,000 tons of porkers and 650,000 tons of baconer pigs. “In respect to our exports of meat, the Ottawa Agreement and the negotiations conducted thereafter will show to those who carefully examine and compare the prices then and now that the arrangement so far has been beneficial to New Zealand,” Mr Coates said. “The United Kingdom in building up her own agriculture is regulating meat imports, and we as a country can, and have, expressed our objections to any policy which would have the effect of restricting our development. But if we can judge the mind of our people correctly, there is a widespread desire at all times to co-operate with the United Kingdom, and it should be our endeavour, after expressing our views, to fit in with their plans and policy, and above all to-ensure a continued expansion of our exports. This does not mean that at all times we agree with what is proposed. Every opportunity is taken to acquaint the British Government with the effect of such suggestions on our development; and in one instance, that of dairy produce, we have not agreed to the expressed desire of the United Kingdom Government, SYMPATHETIC TREATMENT.

“The New Zealand Government and our representatives in the United Kingdom are in daily communication ■with the British Government with the definite objective of securing not only mutually satisfactory arrangements, hut the best jrossible solution lor New Zealand. I may say that New Zealand has had very sympathetic and favourable treatment as regards the question under discussion. The New Zealand Government has secured a meat quota which we think will be satisfactory! It provides lor a definite expansion for the pig industry. “In the March quarter of 1932, the Ottawa year, the United Kingdom imported 1387 tons of pork from New Zealand; for the corresponding quarter of 1935 the agreed upon quota is 3750 tons. This indicates the British Government’s appreciation of the New Zealand Government’s attitude of co-ooeration. “It should be realised that apart from the porker quota the New Zealand Government has arranged for expansion in the export of baconers to the United Kingdom. In view of the importance of the bacon trade to Great Britain, the wide scope for development of this side of our pig industry provides .an opportunity of which full advantage should be taken by New Zealand producers. EXPOFT OF BACONERS.

“The Meat Board has drawn attention to the fact that killings of porkers aro over 50 per cent, liiglier than those of last year. To whatever causes this may be due, it would not be desirable if we were, to force prices down by exceeding the demand in the United Kingdom for porkers, especially when there is "such a wide expansion arranged for in the export of baconers. Hence, as New Zealand s arrangements with the United Kingdom will enable New Zealand to export a considerably higher percentage of baconers than was exported last year, I would urge every farmer to take all possible steps to make preparations for the production of baconers. “The present indications are that we shall have quite sufficient porkers to meet our requirements. On the other hand —and this 1 would stress —if we produce too many porkers there is the definite risk of not taking full advantage of the great opportunity offered for the export of baconers. Hence to right the position as between the killings of porkers and the production of haconersT the question of taking action to prevent the killing of porkers for export will have to be seriously considered. . . ~ , “This year’s increase m the production of baconers should be provided by November 15 in order to reach the United Kingdom in time. In normal years milk by-products would largely suffice to ensure the requisite production, but tlie present season is such that other types of feed Mill m many cases be necessary. Seasonal and geographical considerations will determine what may be grown. It seems clear, however, that it will Ire necessary to provide concentrated feedtoi the i,j<rc coming on in the spiing* 1 Mr Coates added that the Minister nf Agriculture (Hon. G. E. Macmillan) ld S.,s officers would at all times be ready and willing to advise and asZt farmers regarding the cereals and

fodder necessary to attain the desired results. REQUEST TO DOMINIONS. LONDON Feb 12. The Dailv Express says that Mr " • E Elliot will propose that tne Dominions in the summer pay a Pe 11 "-'’ ® 1 pound levy on Dpminion moat imports with a higher levy for the Aigentne and other foreign meat. J ioUam> coupled with the proposals will be small quantitative control. The proposal submitted featuies a lew ol Id a ib on foreign and id on Dominion imports, plus-a slight restriction.