MEAT EXPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24032, 1 August 1941, Page 4

MEAT EXPORT

Sir, —The directions from Great Britain are short and sweet, viz., "bone," "can," "press." This is the definite, simple instruction for New Zealand to base iis "meats preparation" for the duration of the war. The point I wish to make clear is, how are New Zealand's authorities, be they Meat Board or Export, Marketing Division, or Minister ior Marketing, at present preparing to supply on these terms?' We have the Hon. J. G. Barclay's statement, that machinery and buildings for preserving (canning) ;.re on the way, the main item, the base, is skilled "labour."

This is decidedly a. "national" job. This labour must be produced and trained before December, 10-11, or we lose our overseas business. No room or excuse is left for anyone in New Zealand to dodge the issue on any grounds whatsoever. Labour for ''boning" in Xew Zealand lias always been "male." In Great Britain, U.S.A. and Europe, females have always been largely used in this work. The most urgent "war emergency measure." is the establishment at once of a skilled staff of "boners" to instruct classes, recruited and paid for by the Government, who would control and place them as required, exactly the .same as if they were a defence unit.

Hut the manner of preparation, and the meats offered for sale are entirely the concern of the Xew Zealand Government. The onus is on our meat autlioiitif's (whoever they are) to meet the needs of a heroic folk starved for protein foods. S. Tims.