BOBBY CALF TRADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22352, 28 August 1934, Page 8

BOBBY CALF TRADE

BAN ON EXPORTS A SIGNIFICANT MOVE. (Peb United Press association.) AUCKLAND, August 27. In spite of the ban on the shipment of veal to the United Kingdom some exporters are adopting the course of freezing hobby calf meat and holding it in store, according to information current in the trade in Auckland. It is suggested that in some cases at least Euglish buyers are concerned in the arrangements. The position is an unusual one so far as the farmer is concerned. He is receiving a price to-day which does not comtcmplate self, for in effect he is charging the shipper nothing or next to nothing for the meat. The average price at the farm gate is about Is 9d a head, and immediately prior to the embargo about 3s 6d was being paid, so that presumably the difference of Is 9d represents the export value of the meat. It was understood that the meat would be boiled down at the works for stock meal. If the embargo were lifted to-day the meat in stock would at once appreciate in value to the, extent of 2s a carcass live weight. It is the possibility of securing the lifting of the embargo which has influenced the present position. The meat cau he held for many mouths without the risk of deterioration.

The main use of hobby calf meat in England is for filling purposes for pies and other small goods. As such meat does not come in direct competition with the ordinary table meat, it wa a questioned some weeks ago whether the embargo should be continued. It is believed that freezing arrangements have been in progress for about two weeks, and that the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board has been advised. A statement from the board seems warranted at this stage in view of the importance of the bobby calf trade.