MOST LAMBS FATTENED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26778, 22 May 1948, Page 4

MOST LAMBS FATTENED

LATE RAIN BENEFICIAL FREEZING WORKERS PRAISED Although an early dry period resulted in the killing off of some light lambs and a portion of the ewe flock, late season rain enabled most lambs to be fattened, said Mr J. Kingan, chairman, at the annual provincial conference of the meat and wool section, Federated Farmers of North Otago, -yesterday. Freezing workers deserved congratulations for their excellent work, but the Easter break was a serious disadvantage in the busiest part of the killing season. High prices were obtained for fine wools, but the crossbred clip prices caused some dissatisfaction. Mr Kingan stressed that no shoddy wool was wanted by any section of the trade. Heavier culling of flocks, which needed labour, were the real problem, he concluded. The shearing classes had not been a complete success, but they were helping to overcome the difficulty until an answer to the labour problem could be found. Any real increase in production was out of 'the question. Present Hide Policy Mr W. Malcolm, a member of the Electoral College of the Meat Board, said that the present policy in respect to hides operated to the great disadvantage of the meat industry. The United Meat Pool and the Meat Stabilisation Account, he said, were growing at an alarming rate, but he pointed out that if prices should eventually recede recourse might have to be made to these funds. At the same time. New Zealand growers were facing an assured market for many years. Joint Organisation A detailed account of the function of the Joint Organisation was given to the conference by Mr H. J. Warden, a member of the Wool Board, who said that the Joint Organisation was essential to the well-being of the woolgrowers, and should be supported in the present prosperous times to tide over a possible recession. The local price of wool and the newspaper reports of wool sales gave a' false impression of the prices ruling, said Mr J. P. Rutherford. Only fine grade wools were reaching the top prices of about GOd, while about 90 per cent, of the offerings. crossbred wool, brought much lower prices. Mr J. Wardcll said the problem was even worse in Australia. Tire public was getting an entirely false impression of the prosoerity of the farmers. Office-bearers elected were:—Chairman. Mr J. Kingan; executive —Messrs A. H. Chapman, A. Cuthbertson, W. Doig. R. J Gray, W. R. Macaulay, A. Malcolm. D. Malcolm, A. McMillan, J. L. Parsons, R. C. Ruddenklau. J. P. Rutherford. R. Simpson, and R. G. Smith: high country representatives, Messrs B. A. Thomas and I. W. Anderson.