BACON AND PORK.

Shannon News, 6 November 1925, Page 3

BACON AND PORK.

FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT. 'Hie much-discussed subject of bacon and pork came up for consideration at the Dairy Farmers’ Union meeting at Palmerston recently. There were present Messrs N. Campbell (chairman), .7. McFarland, G. lv Haar, E'. Roper, H .Stratford, 7. FI. Fowler, W. G. Shortt, S. E. Algar, W. H. Gimblett, 7. Boyce and G. Wagstaff. ■ _ . In connection with the Union s scheme for pooling pigs with the object ot securing better prices, several replies were received from members as to tbe number of pigs they would have available for the season .These totalled 134, but it was pointed out that quite a number of replies were yet to come to hand. The meeting expressed disappointment at the result, of the replies received so. far, but Mr Gimblett remarked that the Union’s proposals had done indirect good in that they had made one company pay out a higher price. This statement was corroborated by Mr McFarland. Messrs S. A. Broadbelt and C. Dernier also waited upon tbe Union urging co-operation with the various dairy companies ol' the district in the freezing and curing of pigs for local consumption and export. Mr Broadbelt explained that the dairy companies’ proposals were for the pigs to be killed and treated at the Feiiding works, and Messrs Dalgety and Co. had promised to undertake the financing on a commission basis. The dairy companies had discussed the position very thoroughly and had come to the conclusion that,the proposition he was putting forward was the best that could be devised in the absence of co-operative factories. In fact, there was the advantage of no responsibility and no overhead charges. The usual insurance against death and disease would be operative and arrangements could. be made very easily for export if the Home, price should warrant it. All that was wanted was for the farmers to agree to send their pigs to tlie Feiiding works, and,once that was done the producers would then have control of the price.

The meeting briefly discussed the new proposal set out by the deputation, Mr Gimblett.urging that a hasty decision should not be come to. Mr Boyce considered 'the Union’s proposals were far ahead of those mentioned by the deputation. If the latter wore given effect to, it would mean the closing of the proprietary concerns, and so a loss of competition. Mr Shortt, on the other hand, considered the new scheme the Letter one. Fie pointed out that it was to be worked on much the same lines as butter anti cheese were now being marketed. Mr Gimblett expressed the opinion that farmers would, not export pigs on an advance payment and also run the risk of refunds. The chairman mentioned that- the cutting out of the proprietary companies would place the market in the farmers’ own hands. There was no money to he lost in the dairy companies’ proposals. . Mr Shortt also emphasised the point that no capital was necessary for the new scheme. After further discussion it was decided to hold the matter over until next meeting and in the meantime to obtain prices for November from the different bacon companies. 1