MEAT PRICES FALL.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20539, 14 February 1935, Page 1

MEAT PRICES FALL.

International Companies Sell Cheaply. AUSTRALIA NEEDS BOARD. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received February 14, 12.50 p.m.) LONDON, February 13. Though it can be ascribed partly to an over-abundance of all meats from English and foreign sources, the fall in Australian and New Zealand lamb prices is attributed in some quarters to the policy of American international companies in selling at low prices. Australian and New Zealand prices at present are below the prices paid to the growers. Fears are expressed that the attractive prices to growers will lead to a concentration of marketing organisation with a few international concerns, after which producers will lack an independent competitive outlet. The consequence would be a reduction in prices to the growers in accordance with the cheap trade. Those interested in Australian marketing advocate a board similar to New Zealand’s Meat Producers’ Board, which is empowered to ensure supplies for independent operators and also has an officer in London empowered to prevent cornering. International companies at present hold 90 per cent of the Australian lambs in Britain.

ALL-ROUND QUOTA. Mr Elliot’s Proposal Plus Tax. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.. (Received February 14. 12.10 p.m.) LONDON February 13. The “ Manchester Guardian ” in an editorial says that it is. understood that at Monday’s consultations between Britain and the Dominions, Mr W. E. Elliot reiterated his plan for an allround quota on foreign and Empire meat imports plus a tax, the proceeds of which would be pocketed by Home producers. However, the Angie-Argen-tine treaty stands in the way of this objectionable plan until 1936, for it states that “no new, or increased duties shall be levied on Argentine meat.” Thus even if the Dominions were persuaded to swallow this “ voluntary ” quota, which is doubtful, Argentina has still to be persuaded to accept the tax. The British members of the committee are disinterested parties and will be beware of the specious proposals of Mr Elliot insofar as they react on the consumer and international trade.

Editorial Comment on Short Term Scheme.

LONDON, February 13. “The Times,” in an editorial, says: “ The English meat subsidy is being continued until June 30, and a shortterm scheme, regulating supplies and maintaining prices for the period April to June, has been communicated to the Dominion Governments. “ The long-term proposals, which it is hoped to put into effect on July 1, involve a levy on imported meat, with substantial preference to the dominions, and possibly a limited amount of restriction if the levy alone does not prevent prices falling below i remunerative level. When these have been studied by the Dominion Governments, to which they are now being communicated, discussion can be resumed with some prospect of general agreement. “ There must be give and take on both sides. Moreover, it must not be forgotten that the dominion farmer in reality is not concerned so much as to the quantity of produce he is able to r.ell as the total paj-rnent for it. He may even gain from restriction of imports if that restriction has sufficient effect upon prices. “New Zealand producers, with mutton imports restricted, sold 9000 tons less in 1934 than in 1933, but received over £1,000,000 more for the smaller quantit}'.”