Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, MAY 3, 1941. NEW MEAT CONTRACT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 130, 3 May 1941, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, MAY 3, 1941. NEW MEAT CONTRACT.

The meat contract completed for the current season which ends on September 30 next holds promise of valuable relief » for producers who were dealt a severe blow when export restrictions were announced late in March. The British Government has now contracted to take 248,000 tons, a figure considerably below that of 300,000 tons agreed upon in the previous season's contract, and which led to a substantial increase in production. It is, however, a marked improvement on the quota of 180,000 tons given to New Zealand when the restrictions were first mentioned. In fixing this limit the British Government had in mind the lack of shipping facilities owing to loss by enemy action and war demands for transport purposes. Again, under the Lease and Lend

Act passed by the United States the United Kingdom had been placed in the favourable position ot obtaining urgent supplies much closer at home, and advantage had to be taken of this benefit. As the position forced upon meat producers became clearer the Government provided some relief. Certain classes of meat, previously ordered to be held on farms, were accepted at the works. Within certain defined limits the ban on the killing of wether mutton in the North Island was lifted, while boner cows were also accepted within the scope of the canning works' ability to handle the meat. Yet, in spite of this relief, it was obvious from Farmers' Union discussions that substantial quantities of stock would not reach the works and that farmers would find considerable difficulty in maintaining their operations.

With the enlargement of the .Australian quota from 114,000 tons to 198,000 tons—if had previously - been reduced from 249,000 tons —there was good reason to believe that New Zealand would have its cut amended substantially. Australia's relief is said to have been the result of a powerful.advocacy by Mr Menzics during' his conversations with the British Government, and New Zealand has now received the same treatment—a 20 per cent, cut only on the previous contract figures. Actually, our shipments last season amounted to 350,921 tons in accordance with the British Government's promise to take all the meat that could be shipped, so that the contract for 248,000 tons still means a substantially less quantity for export, compelling 'Dominion farmers to maintain strict limits. The British Government having clarified the position so far as its part is concerned, the Minister of Marketing should be in a position to make known to producers the Government's policy, which they are anxiously awaiting. The'public are deeply concerned too in this matter, and desire to know how the Government's meat purchases are to be financed in accordance with the promise to purchase all meat produced for export in this season.