EXPORT OF MEAT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 177, 29 July 1932, Page 9

EXPORT OF MEAT

| RECORD YEAR REVIEWED LAMB SHIPMENTS INCREASE STEADY GROWTH OF TRADE PRODUCERS’ BOARD'S PROTEST A review of the export meat killing figures this season, contained in the annual report of the New Zealand Moat Producers’ Board, shows that when the season closes there will be a record in the number of carcases of lamb while the total quantity of meat exported, computed in freight carcases, will eclipse all previous records. Tho report, which deals comprehensively with all aspects of the board’s activities, will be submitted to the annual meeting of delegates constituting the electoral committee to-day. Tables in the report show that there was a decrease of 1,048.771 in the total flocks of sheep in New Zealand on April 30, 1931, as compared with the figures a year previously. The interim figures at April 30, 1932, recorded a further decrease of 1,186,297, representing a total decrease since April 30, 1930, of 2,235.068 sheep. However, the lambing returns for 1931 showed an estimated increase of 569,486 over the preceding year’s figure. In spite of the fact that the total number of breeding ewes in tho two seasons was practically the same, last year's average percentage of lambing was considerably ahead of that of tho previous season. Tho killing season commenced much earlier than usual and, owing to the continued dry weather, and with prospects of falling prices, farmers were inclined to send along their stock much earlier than usual. The effect was shown in the lower average weight of lambs as compared with that of previous seasons. Enormous Development. As an illustration of the enormous development in the export of frozen lamb to the United Kingdom, the report mentions that, in 1913 the total shipments from New Zealand, Australia and South America amounted to 5.617,405 lambs. For tho year ended December 31, 1931, the total shipments reached 1.6,805,148 lambs, made up as follow: New Zealand, 8,167,984; Australia, 3,257,445; South America, 5,379,719. According to the report the value of the Dominion’s sheep and cattle industry, as measured by the export statistics (f.o.b. values) for the year ended March 31, 1932, together with the corresponding figures for last year, is as follow: — 1931-32. 1930-31. £. £. Megbt 8,098,116 10,590,552 Wool 6,551,797 5.464,228 Hides and skins 1.130,990 1,792,313 Other by-products (tallow, etc) 797,235 1,314,505 Total .... £16,578,138 £19,161,598 Regulation of Shipments. Considerable space is devoted to the subject of the regulation of shipments, tho board holding that regularity and continuity of supply are most important factors in the attainment of successful marketing in Great Britain. Ju anticipation of the export of an increased quantity of meat, the board made provision with the shipping companies for the supply of ample tonnage, with the result that a substantial quantity of lambs was landed in the United Kingdom in December, constituting, from the point of view of early new season’s arrivals, a record for the Dominion. Owing to the early season, abnormal killings of both mutton and lamb, and the uncertainty of beef killings, regulation of shipments had not been easv.

As a result of the dry weather experienced throughout New Zealand, particularly in the early part of the season, 745,608 more lambs and 344,569 more sheep were killed up to January 31 than up to the same date in the previous season. Although the average weight of lambs was below that of previous seasons, the quality as a whole compared favourably with that of other years. Renewed efforts were made to point out to farmers and others the need for careful handling of livestock in transit to freezing works. However, great economic waste was still taking place owing to the bruised condition of stock arriving at freezing works, a loss which in many cases could be avoided if proper care were exercised. Increased Advertising.

In view of the ever-increasing competition from other countries, and also the increasing production of New Zealand lamb, coupled with tho lower retail values ruling during the past year, the board felt it advisable to increase its advertising expenditure. Advertising efforts were concentrated mainly on the meat retailers in the belief that tho butchers’ shops throughout the United Kingdom provided the best ground on which to put forward the qualities of New r Zealand meat. It was impossible to visit any town or village of any consequence in Great Britain without being reminded that “New Zealand lamb is the best in the world.” The advertising expenditure for the year was £17,397.

A much larger quantity of meat had been distributed in the Midlands, Northern Counties and Scotland <kiring the past few years than formerly, and it was held that this satisfactory position was directly due to the board’s propaganda. All the institutions of the London County Council and many others throughout the United Kingdom now specified New Zealand mutton and lamb in their contracts, providing a large and important outlet for the Dominion ’s increasing production. Reduction of Costs. As New Zealand had to place its produce on the Home market in open competition with the output from other countries, some of which enjoyed advantages not possessed by New Zealand, it was imperative that costs should bo reduced to the lowest possible point. Prices for produce bad fallen below pre-war levels. The whole problem was that in 1931 farmers were selling their goods on an export index of 881 and were meeting production costs on a farm expenditure index of 1490. But for the premium on exchange the position would have been considerably worse.

The report regards hopefully the prospect of benefit to New Zealand exporters from the Ottawa Conference. An agreement had been reached be tween all Empire meat interests, and

if this agreement was confirmed at th* conference it would mean a big step forward for Empire meat producers. '1 he finances of the board are shown to be in a satisfactory position. The excess of income over expenditure for the year was £596. and the accumulated funds at June 30, 1932, stood at £96,389.