MEAT CONTROL BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19388, 24 July 1926, Page 14

MEAT CONTROL BOARD.

PAST SEASON'S OPERATIONS. REDUCED BEEF EXPORT. I*NCREASE IN FROZEN PORK. The fourth annual." report of the NewZealand Meat Producers' Board for the year ended Junk 30, tf> bo submitted to the annual meeting of the electoral committee) in Wellington 011 August 26. has been issued.

In reviewing the past season the report states that from a fattening point of view the season was not so favourable as the preceding one. This was reflected in the quality of meat shipped and the average weight of stock treated. The continuous drv weather along the east coast of the North Island had a vei.v marked effect on the quality of stock sent to the freezing works. The quantity of beef shipped was the smallest for many years. Owing to a shortage of feed farmers in the drought-affected areas ivere obliged to kill not only cattle of both sexes, but aho a large number of calves. The east coast supplies a great portion of our export beef, but there will be very few cattle available for export from that district during the coming season Referring to exports to the Continent the report states the meat for Continental ports consists of beef and veal. Dunns the season the exports to the Continent 111 freight carcases totalled 319.080, compared with 242,885 for the previous season. Supplies from Continent. In regard to prices offered for stock it had to be remembered that the previous season's prices proved to be above London parities, ti« was evidenced bv losses made by most operators. In addition to heav) supplies of British meat, there were also supplies of frozen lambs-from Latvia, Iceland and South Russia, as well as mutton from Man churia. A decline in the values of pelts and wool also affected the meat prices. The fight between South American meat interests, resulting in the London market being flooded with cheap chilled beef, had a marked effect on the Dominion's mutton trade, particularly ewesCommenting, on the work of the supervising graders, the report says the work is now being fully, appreciated by the meat trade of the United Kingdom. Complaints as to faulty grading are rarely received.

The necessity for care in handling stock in transit to the' freezing works is emphasised. It is stated there is still great economic waste taking place owing to stock arriving in a bruised condition. Reference is made to the efforts of the board to regulate shipments and maintain a steady flow of meat to the market. The effect of this policy is to stabilise the market. Valuj of Pork Export Trade. The necessity for the establishment of an export trade in pork is emphasised. Since 1922 the pork exports had increased in value from £34,759 to £134,913 for the 1925 season and to £121,073 up to May 31, 1926. To bring under the notice of bacon curers in Britain the good quality of New Zealand's pork the board recently distributed gratis a number of bacon pigs among the leading baconcurers. As a result greater inquiry had been made for our pigs and the development. of the export trade should ensue. With a view to assisting that development the board had decided to conduct experiments in the farming of pigs. -Prizes would also be offered ,in the pig classes at the Royal Shows. The statement of accounts shows revenue totalling £31,072 13s 9d, of which the meat levy contributed £29.009 17s 3d and interest oh investments, £2062 16s 6d. Expenditure totalled £23,204 18s lOd leava credit balance of £7867 14s lid. The chief items of expenditure were: Head office expenses, £6282 16s 3d; London office, £4049 12s 3d; members' honoraria and travelling expenses, £3577 19s lOd; supervision of grading, loading and unloading, £2956 14s 9d; advertising, £3104 15s Id.