Chilled Beef Prospects And Possibilities of Quotas

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18596, 5 January 1935, Page 13

Chilled Beef Prospects And Possibilities of Quotas

THAT there is not at present a' sufficient quantity of'good quality beef produced in New Zealand to meet demands on tlie English market, was an opinion expressed in an interview by Mr. H. S. Yestey, who is connected with one of the largest organisations in the world for the distri-, bution and marketing of meal pro-' ducts. j Mr. Yestev added', however, that"

New Zealand possessed both the land and the stock tor the production, of the best meat, and that as soon as adequate markets were opened up in England it was certain that the general quality would improve. It

was not that good quality meat could not. be produced, or even that il was not produced, but that there was nol enough of it. .1

Better Markets Expected. Mr. Ycstey said that the Blue Star Lino was placing three new vessels in the New Zealand trade, since it was hoped that sooner or later Australia and Kcw Zealand would be allotted satisfactory quotas for chilled beef. At, the present time there! were only about 5000 quarters exported a month, whereas each ship of the Blue Star Line could carry more than ! that. !

"As soon as New Zealand' can get a good market in England, the quality of the beef will improve and good prices will be obtained," he said. For the export of chilled beef the Blue Star Line was placing fast steamers in the New Zealand trade, as speed was necessary so that the. beef might arrive in England in the best condition possible. The fastest ship at present in the company's service, the Sultan Star, could complete the

passage in 28 to 29 days. The principal hope for a revival of the d'emand for New Zealand primary products in England; Mr. Vestcy considers, is in the stabilisation of the heavy industries at Home. He said that'when the coal, iron, and other such industries were on a better footing, the increase in prosperity would be reflected in better prices for imports.

Favoring the Farmer. In Continental countries, as in England, Mr. Vestey said, the policy was pursued of giving support to internal farming industries. Practically no meat was imported, although there was some .demand for by-products. The effect of this had been in some countries to .victimise the non-farming part of the community. Mr. Vestey cited as an example the effects of protecting the farmers in Switzerland. Here, lie said, was the case of a country largely agricultural, and the agricultural population was being assisted all the time at the expense of other industries. The result had been that whereas in England good quality beef-steak could be bought at Is 2d to Is 6d a pound, in Switzerland it cost live gold-francs a pound. "I think that thai is what will happen in Britain," Mr. Vestey said, "if the policy of'protecting the farmer is carried too far. it will put up the price of food for the people at large." .