THE PIG INDUSTRY FOR THE PRESENT YEAR

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6536, 17 February 1928, Page 8

THE PIG INDUSTRY FOR THE PRESENT YEAR

Question of Subsidy REVIEW. BY MR NEIL CAMPBELL "If are going to, get pork industry on co-operative lines all producers must join together and 1 see that the subsidy is for the pork industry’s future as well as present need.” .With the above paragraph Mr. Neil Campbell prefaced a most able review of the position of the pork and bacon industry for 1928, which he submitted to the Wellington provincial branch of the New Zealand Dairy Farmers' ■Union at its meeting yesterday, Mr. Campbell continued: — Progress of Industry. u There is no doubt that we have reached a stage when the interests of the pig raisers in New Zealand arc receiving greater attention than ever before. During the last year or two, the possibilities of export have been brought well to the fore. Breeding for market requirements is wisely being advocated. Proprietary concerns are now buying for export. Co-operative marketing associations have come into being and arc becoming more firmly established* The .Government, alive to the value of the trade, have come forward with practical assistance for the next three seasons. Althought at the present time the Government are giving a bounty of 4d. per lb. on exported baconers and porkers, it is more tban probable that after the present term that the bounty will apply to porkers only, and rightly so. Continental suppliers of pork are shut out of tbe London market and after “ Home-grown” our New Zealand frozen porkers are the next highest grade on the London market, and our object should be to firmly establish this position, and thus be assured of ready sale at full values. Baconers on the other hand have to meet competition from the flood of Continental cured bacon which dominates the British market to-day. Why, then, send 'coals to Newcastle!’ Proprietory Concerns. u Thc pig raiser is now in a similar position to the dairy farmer at the time of the growth of the co-operative dairy company movement. With this difference that he has the lessons of the present conditions of the dairying and the frozen meat industries to learn from. The Government should declare their intention immediately as to whether after the present term, the bounty is to apply to porkers only, so that farmers will have time to consider the matter and make what changes in their farming which may be advisable. “A vary large factor in the dairying industry to-day is the farmers’ cooperative concern. In consequence, the competition for outputs is, if anything, keener than in any other of our primary industries. The dominating factor, however, in the frozen meat industry is the proprietory concern. With these examples before us, there is no question as to which policy pig raisers should adopt and that solidly. T 6 matters are allowed it) drift the trade will quickly be dominated by proprietory interests and the Government assistance will largely accrue to the benefit of such interests.

“The export of any produce calls for immediate outlay and a long wait for final returns. Dairy Coys. Handle Suppliers’ Pigs. “In the dairying industry wo all "know how this is met. With baconoi’S and porkers the same system will have to be applied; if satisfactory results arc to bo obtained. The majority of pig raisers put off small numbers and consequently are loath to face the delays involved in an export trade. Particularly docs this apply to the export of porkers as the London demand is seasonal. In the early part of the year, it is a good policy to store porkers in New Zealand so as to catch the opening of the London season about September, when generally best prices are paid. “Undoubtedly the best and most economical method is for dairy companies to take the matter up and handle their suppliers’ pigs as a separate department of the dairy company and on the same lines as the milk supply is dealt with. "Whether the time will come when dairy companies when selling their hutter and cheese locally will also supply bacon and hams to local consumers dewing supplies from unexportablo pigs cured on dairy companies’ own account, will rest with the initiative of the dairy companies. Already certain of the most enterprising companies arc leading in this direction. Directors’ Conservatism, “In conclusion the attitude of the majority of dairy company directors is the principal bar to a progressive policy and many directors arc misjudging the attitude of suppliers to this question. At the outset of the co-opera-tivo dairy company movement, directors were among tlio most progressive class in the country —now that success has been achieved in one department many arc tending to become the most conservative. Whether simply from inertia or through fear of criticism it is hard to say but suppliers look to their elected directors to further their interests in all departments and although a directors’ work is often onerous and more often thankless, yet, in accepting appointment, a director

accepts a duty to his suppliers which ho is bound to carry out to the best of his ability. “With some companies an alternation to the Articles of Association may be necessary but surely this is not an insurmountable difficulty. If it is, how then can wo expect a company to progress?’’ Chairman’s Comments. “I think (hat this executive should take a stand in this matter, ’’ said the chairman, Mr. P. J. Small in commenting upon the review. “I suggest that tlio dairy companies representatives and tho representatives of (lie pig industry should come together in conference and see if something drastic can be done.’’