COLONIAL MEAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3542, 31 January 1922, Page 15

COLONIAL MEAT.

FREIGHTS TOO HIGH. A SUBSIDY SUGGESTED. LONDON, January 24. Mr J. A. M. Elder, in a paper read before the Cold Storage and Ice Association on Australia’s frozen meat export industry, described Australian meats aa in an unsatisfactory position. During the war, he said, it was estimated that South America’s advantage over Australia in the matter of Imperial prices was over £5 per bullock, and nearly 8s per sheep. South American beef was better than before the war, owing to the close attention given to the improvement of the herds. On the contrary, Australian beef all round was worse than before the war. Breeding had not improved, for which the Australian stock owner was responsible, as he was too parsimonious regarding the price he paid for his bulls. The dressing of carcases also was a great deal worse, this being the direct result of the helplessness of the exporters to control their own works properly owing to disturbed and difficult labour conditions. Fortunately more recent arrivals had shown a distinct improvement in get-up. Shipowners were not treating the Australian producers and exporters equitably in regard to freights, which were now 144 per cent, higher than before the war for beef, 160 per cent, higher for mutton, and 154 per cent, higher for lamb. If the rates were fixed at 100 per cent, above pre-war rates the Australian would not complain. The arrangements of the South American companies for distribution in Britain were excellent, being much more effective than those of the Australian agents. Mr Elder concluded by suggesting that the remedy was Imperial preference, in the shape of financial assistance. The bonus should take the form of a freight subsidy by the Australian and Imperial Governments to the extent of reducing freights to the pre-war level. Tile bonus of per lb from each Government, which the Australian Government proposed, would scarcely accomplish this; but even that amount would materially help. Should freights be reduced to 100 per cent, over pre-war levels and a bonus of J(d per lb be forthcoming, the effect would bo the salvation of this great Australian industry for the good of the commonwealth and the Empire. SURPLUS STOCKS AT HOME. LONDON, January 25. Negotiations are approaching completion with the Continental representatives for the sale of the accumulated Australian and New Zealand beef, comprising about 20,000 tons, most of which is New Zealand. The prices obtainable are much below the original cost. It is understood that Vestey’s are willing to sell to the Australian and New Zealand Governments at reduced rates provided that both Governments are willing to bear the loss on the resale to Continental buyers. WARNING BY ENGLISH NEWSPAPER. LONDON, January 25. Commenting on the rise in the prices of meat following upon the announcement of the New Zealand pool, the Star says: “ The truth is that combines and pools are equally injurious to the consumer as we have seen in regard to Australian wool and its effect upon the prices of cloth and clothing.”