SLAUGHTER OF YOUNG STOCK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16600, 25 January 1916, Page 7

SLAUGHTER OF YOUNG STOCK

REGULATIONS RELAXED. FOR DROUGHT-STRICKEN DISTRICTS. (Pboh Oca Own Cobhsspomdewt.) ' WELLINGTON, January 2 ; 'r. The following- statement from the Prime Minister refers to a matter of some interest and importance to farmers in droughtstricken districts. Last tebptember it was found necessary to take some steps in oonnection with tho too extensive slaughter of immature cattle avhich was going on, it being found that numbers of young cattle under two years of age were being slaughtered for export, and in many cases, though well-grown animals over a year old, the flesh was feeing exported on owners' account under the designation of veal. Apart from this, however, in view of the tact that beef is likely to bo a largely sought for and paying article of trade for some years to come, the desirability of preventing our beef supply in the immediate futuro being decreased through the premature slaughter of young animais demanded serious consideration, and it was dtcided that steps should be taken to prevent tho slaughter for export of young cattle between the ages of nine months and two years. Calves under nine months old could still be slaughtered for export. Ihe severe drought conditions prevailing in Canterbury and North Otago have rendered it necessary to relax thi3 embargo in order to enable stock owners in those districts to find a market for such of their young beef stock as is suitable for tho export market, consequently an arrangement has been made under which carcases of animals of suitable typo will bo taken over on behalf of the Imperial Government, this arrangement only applying to stock depastured on land in Canterbury and North Otago. The arrangement made now is as follows: cattle under two years of ago depasturing on land in Canterbury, or in tho counties of Waitaki and Waihemo, my.y bo slaughtered for export, provided they are of sufficiently good quality to justify the classification of the carcases under one of the following three classes in the Imperial meat supply purchasing schedule Class 12, second quality hcef; cliuss 13, boning quality beef; class 16, boneless beef. All such carcases, if passed and approved for export by the inspector, will be accepted for purchase on behalf of the Imperial Government at schedule prices. The maximum ago for veal carcases allowed to- be exported on owners' account will remain at nine months.