THE MEAT TRADE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19349, 9 December 1924, Page 8

THE MEAT TRADE.

INCREASE IN CONTINENTAL DEMAND. MARKET EXTENDING IN BRITAIN.. (Pee United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, December S. “A most important development in the meat trade has been the phenomenal increase in the Continental demand,” declared Mr David .Tones on his return from an investigation ot markets abroad on behalf of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, of which he is chairman. Mr Jones considered that this development would have an important end highly favourable effect on the future of the beef export trade. Until recently it had not paid to export beef, but already under the stimulus on Continental consumption an improvement had taken place. Discussing the primary markets in general, Mr Jones was confident that New Zealand could continue to compete successfully with the world in meat and dairy produce. The natural advantages of the dominion's. wonderful climate and pastures more than offset the handicap of distance from the markets. The market for New Zealand meat was extending in Great Britain, due chiefly to the fact that more and more was selling in the provincial towns.

The new freight contract arranged for a period of three years would mean the saving of over £loo,ooo' a year as compared with the rates ruling for last season, and compared with those operative before the board was formed. The saving was £BO,OOO annually. The benefit of having only one contracting party in bargaining with the shipping companies was thus very apparent. Mr Jones has returned much impressed with the need for supplying the British market with only the wry highest quality. A number of special matters in connection with the meat trade were investigated by Mr Jones, but these he is reserving for a report to the board.