LAMB EXPORTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 147, 24 June 1931, Page 9

LAMB EXPORTS

THIRD GRADE BANNED

A FARMERS’ UNION REMIT. OPINIONS AT MARTON. At I uesday morning’s meeting ot the , Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union, at Marton, there was considerj able discussion on a remit to the Do minion Conference—“ That the export I of New Zealand third grade lamb be j entirely prohibited,” and it was finally [decided to support the remit, which was originally carried at the Provincial Conference. “It is the. quality of the Jamb which matters,” said the chairman (Mr K. W. Dalrymple) who stated that he had seen third grade, lambs going to export works. He had spoken to a reliable authority and had been informed that no third-class lambs were exported, but there was plenty of scope in the second class. “Apparently,” said Mr Dalrymple, “the second grade includes third grade stock.” Mr L. Hammond spoke in favour of the remit, saying that, he, had always been opposed go the export of lowgrade stuck. The opinion of the Marketing Board was that no third grade lambs should be exported, and that the second class should be tightened, up. Mr G. L. Marshall opposed restrictions on exports of third grade lambs. They had been sent away for years to no detriment to the country's trade, and it was to the interests of farmers to sell all they could. There were good and bad articles in all classes of goods, but they did not compete. “Such things cannot be enforced,” said Mr Howard, adding that it was unwise to attempt to regulate them. Air A. Marshall said that the remit wag sound. “We must keep our quality up,” he said, “in view of increasing ccinpetition.” (Hear, hear). The chairman suggested that the law of supply and demand inevitably regulated such matters. Export prices were good, and farmers were entitled to get all they could. “The anomaly,” ho said, “is that there is no third grade, but third grade articles arc marketed as second class.” “Arc they going to Great Britain!” asked Mr G. L. Afarshall, who stated that it had been rumoured that Genoa took most of New Zealand's second grade Jambs. If so, well and good, he said. “I consider.” said Mr J. B. S. Dud ding, “that it is highly dangerous to allow tho export of low grade products for the sake of expediency.” (Applause ). Mr G. L. Marshall queried whether the remit was in order, when the Meat Bord distinctly said there was no third grade export lamb class. “All the more reason why we should support it,” said Mr D. Simpson, who went on to ask that if already thirdgrade, what, would get into a third grade lambs went away in the second class? Voices: Or a fourth class. Mr Howard: Too many regulations strangle industry. Why make more? Air E. B. Gordon: Why beat round the bush? We are well satisfied now to let tho companies do the export grading according to breeds. Lot it continue. Several speakers reiterated previously expressed views, and the chairman asked, amid smiles, whether the meeting could give Air Hammond any direction how to vote as their delegate at the Conference, “I have my own ideas," said Mr Hammond. Air G. L. Marshall suggested that the difficulty would be overcome if the ; words: “To England,” were added to I the remit. “1 am against that suggestion,” said Air Dudding. “If W e don’t tighten up our lamb exports, we will be where we now are with cheese and butter.” “Our lamb prices this year," said Air A, Alarshall, “are the lowest yet.” The remit was approved. Alcssrs L. Hammond and J. G. Elliott have been appointed delegates by the Provincial Executive to the Dominion Conference commencing on July 7.