N.Z. MEAT TRADE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11684, 23 November 1923, Page 10

N.Z. MEAT TRADE

STATEMENT BY MINISTER IMPROVEMENT IN NORTH ISLAND LAMBS. EXPORT OF CHILLED BEEF. I have been much interested, stated the Hon. W. Nosworthy (Minister for Agriculture) to a "Times" representative yesterday, in reading the remarks of Mr Fraser (general manager of the Meat Board) regarding his observations upon tho New Zealand meat trade in England. He has evidently given careful study to the various aspects of the business, and tho knowledge and experience gained must prove very valuable to producers. The question of beef export has received considerable attention; and, though beef represents the smaller portion of our meat out-put, it is desirable that we should be able to make the most of what there is in it from a marketing viewpoint. The great expansion of the dairy industry has naturally had the effect of reducing our production of prime beef; but we still have a surplus of really good quality available for export, and in this connection Mr Fraser’s remarks regarding chilling are of special interest. Considering the length of the voyage and the additional space required for carrying chille,d beef as compared with the frozen article, it is quite right to test the process thoroughly. There is nothing like trying to brings about advancement and improvement, and the results of the test shortly to be carried out will be watched with great interest. FROZEN LAMB TRADE. But the most important feo.l : c of the general manager's observations lies in the opinion he has formed regarding our frozen lamb trade. It is extremely satisfactory to note that he considers that a marked improvement has been brought about in tn i quality of North Island. lambs from some districts where the Down cross has been utilised for fat lamb production and care given to finishing off the lambs. That is all right, but it is disquieting to be told', inferentially at any rate, that the quality of South Island) lambs is falling back. Certainly, last season was by no means one of the best for lamb fattening in the south, and this may have been to some extent responsible for affording an opening for this criticism; but, even when making allowance for this. Mr Fraser’s opinion should be given full weight. Our frozen lamb and mutton trade is of such vital importance, and our Canterbury produce has so high a reputation, that every sheepowner must realise the necessity for- always endeavouring to improro the duality of our output. We cannot afford to take any risk of falling back, especially in view of .the steadily improving quality of South American lamb and mutton. The large sheepowners in the Argentine and in Patagonia are business-like and enterprising, and it has been noted that for years past they have been importing breeding stock of high quality. "NEED TO BE ON THE ALERT.” The Now Zealand producer needs to be on the alert all tho time, and to take no risk of failing to maintain the premier position in the Home market for his output. Care in breeding methods and in feeding and finishing off both lamb and mutton, are essential factors in this; and, coupled with the work of the farmer there must always fas careful work in dressing and grading the carcases in the freezing works. Our market is a good one, and is capable of being increased from the point of view of the quantity of meat it can absorb; but if we are not only to bold our own. but to advance, as we should do, our watchwords must be improvement, and continual improvement.