CHILLED BEEF.

Wairarapa Age, 28 July 1936, Page 5

CHILLED BEEF.

EXPANDING TRADE OF GOOD PROMISE. OBSERVATIONS BY MEAT BOARD. “Although our export trade in chilled beef has only been in existence for about two years,” the ’annual report of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board states, “it has been progressing very satisfactorily, and even with this short experience of the requirements of the trade it is very pleasing to note that in the opinion of the meat trade there has been a growing improvement not only in the condition, but also in the quality of the beef itself. There is, however, quite a variation in the condition, and also in the quality ot our ehilled beef comparing one shipment with another, showing that there is still room for improvement. The retail trade finds that our chilled beef is very acceptable to the English eua tomer, its eating qualities being well spoken of, and it is only the points of age and conformation which need attention before we can expect to reach the Argentine price level. “The quality of the cattle treated for this trade is a most important factor contributing to its successful development. Therefore it ’is essential that shipments of chilled beef should be confined to cattle of the right type. With suitable cattle, reasonable costs, and with a fqli regard to regular supplies going forward—it is along these lines that we can hope to elevate and develop our New Zealand beef export trade. I "When it is remembered that New Zealand labours under a handicap in her distance from the market, as compared with the Argentine, the results achieved to date in landing New Zealand chilled beef in England in good condition must be regarded as very satisfactory, having regard to the comparatively short time the industry has been in progress. To develop this trade properly what is required is to ship small lots in every fast vessel and to spread the arrivals throughout the month.

“The quantities of chilled beef shipped to date from New Zealand are as follow:— 1933-34, 19,576 quarters; 1934-35, 64,514 quarters; 1935-36 (October 1 to May 31), 98,505 quarters.