MEAT BOARD

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIII, Issue 3949, 31 January 1944, Page 3

MEAT BOARD

EXPORT CONDITIONS DISCUSSED

MANPOWER, SffIPPJNG AND

STORAGE-

' At the monthly meeting of the N!Z. Meat Producers Board held in Wellington recently, a report was received regarding the campaign undertaken by the board to increase the production of meat available for export to the United Kingdom. The latest figures available showed the adverse effect of the recent dry conditions in most districts of the Dominion.

The board conferred with the Economic Stabilisation Committee in regard to further efforts directed towards getting the utmost possible support from primary producers in giving effect to the drive for increased meat production to meet the United Kingdom's needs.

Labour Need

The need for an adequate labour supply for farms and freezing works had been the subject of earlier representations to the Government, and a reply was read from the Hon. A. McLagan (Minister of Industrial Manpower). This set out the steps taken, as already annouced, for employment of Territorial and other defence forces as well as University students, the Minister assuring the Board that as a result, the supply of necessary labour for freezing works is practically assured. "Your Board can, Jiowcver, be satisfied," concluded the Minister's letter, "that the Government is fully appreciative of the need for adequate staff in freezing works, and if

the measures already taken are not| sufficient to meet the labour requirements of the industry, other steps will be taken to ensure that labour | is available to kill the stock as it becomes available to the works." Storage and Shipping. In addition to the labour supply, the Board also gave close attention to the killing, storage, and shipping position. From the information available, it was estimated that the total killings for export to January 1 were approximately 1.000,000 601 b. freight carcases, as compared with 1.700,000 to the same date in the previous season. This heavy reduction in killings at the season's opening was brought about, by a variety of reasons. Farmers endeavoured to hold stock for heavier weights, as urged by the Board. Later, however, the prolonged dry spell caused a rush of stock into the works which threatened to create a serious storage position in the future. Having regard to the present unusual position, the Board is asking freezing companies to give priority to the killing of lambs, as against other classes of stock. Costings relating to fat stock schedule prices in the North and South Islands were considered and approved. Figures relating to the grading percentages of export meat in the various districts were submitted to the Board and discussed. It was decided to make a further strong protest to the authorities, pointing out that the grading of meat for local consumption would have an adverse effect upon the Board's efforts to stimulate increased production for Britain.

It was decided to call for applications for the position of manager of the Board's office, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr B. S. Forsyth, who was the Board's London manager for 19 years.