A DISTURBING SILENCE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6804, 7 January 1929, Page 3

A DISTURBING SILENCE

FARMERS WANT PRICES OF EARLY LAMB SHIPMENTS. Fat lamb breedors throughout tho Manawatu are very concerned about tho silenco of the New Zealand Meat Producers board on the matter of prices obtained ou the London market for the early shipments of lamb last year. Two shipments of new season’s lamb sailed late in the old year in sufficient time to arrive on the London market for Christmas and the Now Year seasons and the rumours current as to the prices obtained for these lots are such as to cause breeders to wonder why the board, in fulfillment of tho objects of its constitution, has not made available authentic information on the subject. Iu discussing the matter with breeders. very strong views were expressed regarding the silence of tho board i* not allowing farmers to., become acquainted with what our new season's lamb is bringing on tho Home markets. There .appears to bo no legitimate reason why this information should be withheld from those vitally interested in the industry, more particularly at this period of tho season, when competition is so strong. Farmers have become possessed of certain information that tho prices received arc very high, leading to the conclusion that the Home market conditions are brighter than have been reported. Two farmers expressed the opinion that the board was not playing the game and .that the time had arrived when producers should demand that the board should reveal every item of information which would bo of benefit, Farmers expected an announcement as to the prices obtained for the early shipments and to say that they are disappointed at not receiving it, is to put the case very mildly.