A CHEERING REPORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1933, Page 6

A CHEERING REPORT.

The reports from Smithfield of the quality of North Island lamb sent for competition in the market there are very cheering. The competition itself reflects credit upon the sheep farmers concerned, the Meat Producers’ Board, and its London representative, Mr. R. S. Forsyth. To submit to the judgment of the most critical as well as the most important meat market in the world showed belief in the quality of the goods New Zealand had to offer. The confidence has been justified, the verdict of the market judges being that the prize winning carcases were perfect from the English retailer’s point of view. The traders of Great Britain are not inclined to overpraise any imports they may be handling, and their commendation, when it is given, is all the more valuable. The verdict given in London is that the North Island is capable of supplying just what the market requires and is the best possible return for years of effort on the part of Sheep farmers to improve the type of lamb they were rearing for export The competition, while of particular benefit to the flock-owners concerned, should also stimulate the trade in New Zealand lamb. Much has been heard of the enormous advances in quality and quantity of lamb sent to Great Britain from South America. The improvement has been very great, and it is a phase of the meat-export industry which New Zealand cannot afford to lose sight of. But the Dominion now has. the assurance that it can supply the highest quality lamb desired in London. It has an actual example of the type of carcase required, and the stockowner can learn at first hand how that type can be produced. It is insufficient, of course, that a few picked samples should be held in high esteem. What must follow their success is a general improvement in the quality of New Zealand lamb. It already has a good reputation, and it is supplying a market which is prepared to pay for goods which come up to its standard of requirement. The moral of the success achieved by exporters of lamb should not be lost sight of by other sections of New Zealand’s primary industries.