NEW ZEALAND BACON.

Southland Times, Issue 23026, 21 October 1936, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND BACON.

To The Editor.

Sir, —Twice within the last two months prominent visitors have publicly criticized the bacon that is eaten in Invercargill. It is true that Mr F. W. Parsons of London was referring to New Zealand as a whole, but it is obvious that he restrained himself until he had sampled that of Invercargill. The visitors of two months ago gave us a reason just why they considered something should be done. It is to be hoped that these distinguished visitors are ignorant of the fact that it is possible that the bacon that they sampled had not passed Government inspection. However, I am now in high hopes that the local Chamber of Commerce will take up the question. I gave up hope years ago of ever expecting the farmers to do anything to help themselves. For the last eight years we have heard nothing but one long continual groan about low butterfat returns, yet here at the farmers’ door was a market that even to-day in Otago and Southland consumes 90 per cent of the bacon produced. This market which can be the farmers’ best lacks organization. It is being continually ruined not by good curers but by those “back-yard,” and “wash-house” curers.

In conclusion who is Mr Jackson of London? Is he a representative of one of big three American meat firms who are genuinely concerned about the control not only of New Zealand bacon and pork in London but also determined that no form of organization will be permitted within New Zealand. Why? Because its a matter of business to buy as cheap as possible and this can only be brought about by a low price as a result of bad local trade. When? Oh when will the farmers wake up?—Yours, etc., WAKE UP AND CLEAN UP. Woodlands, October 20, 1936.