CHILLED BEEF SHIPMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21404, 31 January 1933, Page 8

CHILLED BEEF SHIPMENT

The experiment of sending a trial shipment of chilled beef to London is one well worth watching. The consignment to be despatched from "Wellington on Friday, may, if hopes are realised, be the forerunner of a trade that will be of widespread benefit to the pastoral industry of this country. The firm which is doing the pioneering work is also doing a public service. This fact can be emphasised because it is neither making extravagant promises, nor concealing the difficulties that have to be faced. Even when the problem of carrying the meat so far and of landing it in perfect condition is solved, as those concerned believe it can be, the task is only begun. There is in the > British market an enormous demand for chilled beef. There is also an enormous supply from countries which have specialised for years in meeting the exact demands of the British consumer. Thus stern competition has to be faced. With the prospect of a preferred place for Empire countries, both Australia and South Africa have bestirred themselves to seize the opportunity. Against them New Zealand must compete without any special advantages, and with the handicap of a longer sea transit, especially longer than that from South African ports. Against these factors there must be counted the important gain if even a moderate trado in chilled beef could be developed. As has been pointed out, many farmers must run cattle to keep their land in good order for sheep and lambs. The better the price beef can command, obviously the better the returns to such pastoralists. The commission which reported nearly ten years ago on the invasion of farm land by secondary forest growth was emphatic about the benefits of grazing by dry cattle, and the stimulus this would be given if beef could be turned off at a reasonable profit. For these reasons the experiment is eminently well worth while, and, with success gained, farmers should be encouraged to set about breeding the type of beast that will make possible a serious attempt to gain a footing in the British market.