LAMB SCHEDULE RATE

Southland Times, Issue 23392, 27 December 1937, Page 8

LAMB SCHEDULE RATE

REPLY TO FARMERS’ COMPLAINT PRICE GOVERNED BY WOOL AND PELT VALUES “A few judicious inquiries before the discussion on the lamb schedule which took place at the meeting of the warmers’ Union on Thursday would have saved a lot of worry for all concerned, said Mr A. Derbie, general manager of the Southland Frozen Meat Co., L.d., when asked by The Southland Times to comment on the criticism of the price of lamb by Southland farmers. “Without going into details, I think the majority of farmers know that the lamb schedule is governed to a great extent by the value of wool and pelts, and when I say that the decline m these commodities alone represents a drop of ljd a lb on last season, which in turn represents 3/9 a head on a 361 b lamb, little more need be said, said Mr Derbie. “One prominent member is reported to have said that, the schedule had gone up to BJd. This is not true, nor is there any justification for thinking that there will be any alteration when the works resume in the New Year. This opinion is confirmed by others responsible for the fixing of the schedule, but up to the present no discussion has taken place. “Another prominent member s statement that his own was the first consignment on owner’s account, is quite correct, and clearly indicates that the farmers are not prepared to risk the market, but prefer to accept the schedule. The very best facilities are available for those who prefer to consign on their own account, and if at any time the schedule is not acceptable, the producer has the option of availing himself of this alternative.”