MEAT PRODUCERS’ BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3886, 4 September 1928, Page 13

MEAT PRODUCERS’ BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING. . WELLINGTON, August 30. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board was held at the Dominion Farmers’ Institute to-day. The president, Mr D. Jones, comprehensively reviewed the season, referring • to the substantial advances in values, and said he anticipated that the present season would constitute a record in the weight of frozen meat exported. He pointed out that up to July 31, 549,808 more lambs were killed for export than in the corresponding period last year. The total number of lambs killed this year, up to August 15, was 5,943,104, compared with 5,382,306 for last season. The total value of produce exported for the 12 months ended March 31 amounted to £54,015,455, of which £31,185,195 was contributed by the sheep and cattle industry. There had been a steady increase in sheep, the interim return of 27,001,236 constituting a record. There was also a further increase in breeding ewes, which was reflected in a notable increase in lambs. The latest returns showed that the number tailed was 13,179,445. 'Lite increasing use of phosphates for top-dress-ing was a most important factor contributing to the marked increases. It was pleasing to note the increased shipments of ‘ frozen beef, and also the increased values paid for cattle. There were good inquiries for frozen beef in New York and Montreal, and considerable quantities had been shipped to those ports. There was also a good demand from the army and the navy, preference being given to Dominion beef. The army and navycontracts were invaluable to the industry. He stressed the importance of keeping herds free from foot-and-mouth disease. The report was adopted. One matter discussed was the board’s wisdom in holding a cold store >i.L- in London, which was generally approved. s Certain trouble with ewes was biought up by the delegate from I’iopio. It was Stated that the ewes wanted - exercising, but the delegate was not satisfied. He wanted a cure for his sheep. Mr Jones promised that the board would go into the matter with the Department of Agriculture. The sitting members —Messrs T. A. Duncan (Hunterville) and Adam Hamilton (Invercargill)—were re-elected. Those not elected were: R. S. Chadwick (Dannevirke), J. 0. Coop (Little River), C. D. Dickie (Hawera), Robert Latter • (Christchurch), and W. Morrison (Maxwelltown, Wanganui).