AUSTRALIAN BEEF

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11223, 31 May 1922, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN BEEF

UNSATISFACTORY POSITION WHAT ARGENTINE COMPETITION MEANS. A CANDID CRITIC. By Teieeraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received Mav 30, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 29. In an interview with the Australian Press Association, Mr J. A. M. Elder said that, although it was still rumoured that Argentine interests were now working in agreement, there was no confirmation of the rumour, and chilltd beef shipments wi re being enormously increased in spite ol the fact that market prices were lower. Therefore, it seemed quite clear that whether tho Argentine shippers were in agreement or in competition, the result to Australia was the same. The Argentine, by dumping huge shipments of chilled beef into England, meant either to oust Australian frozen beef from the British market or to relegate it to a very low position. Australian beef prices were entirely controlled by foreign competitors.

The bonus granted by tho Commonwealth Government, the reduction in freight and tho decrease in the wages of tile Australian freezing works have been of great value to the beef trade from that country. They represent a very’ welcome addition to the price which can be paid the producer and will result in a much larger export of Queensland beef than otherwise would have taken place; but, owing to tho aforesaid Argentine action, it was unlikely to meet a satisfactory market, despite strenuous efforts at* this end. Australia would get no help from the British Government. The protection asked for by the adoption of the Bridgeman report would actually mean cheaper beef for the consumer. Australia had 6ent the cheapest beef that this country had enjoyed during the last quarter of a century. If this source of supply was to be interfered with, then the consumer must of necessity pay more. Furthermore, the national aspect of the situation was serious, and would get more serious as the years passed if nothing was done here to protect Empire beef production against the calamitous onslaught by foreign interests. British-grown beef production was not keeping pace with the requirements. The proportion of Home-grown beef to the total consumption was decreasing every year by about one per cent., and foreign beef was filling the shortage. They all knew that the sentiment of Australia in favour of,Britain was one of heart. He vas sorry to find that the sentiment of Britain towards all business propositions was strictly one of pocket. The magnificent preference accorded British goods by Australia was virtually unrecognised in any practical British response.