FAT LAMB TRADE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 249, 20 October 1937, Page 11

FAT LAMB TRADE

DOMINION’S SUPREMACY IMPORTANCE OF RETENTION SERIOUS CHALLENGE TO MEET “The supremacy held by New Zealand in the fat lamb trade, which is the envy of all competing countries on the British market, is in danger, and in order to maintain their position farmers throughout the Dominion will have to bestir themselves,” stated Mr. J. E. Hewitt, of Mangamaire, a well-known breeder, in the course of an interview on Monday. Once the present pride oi place was lost a colossal depreciation in land values in New Zealand would inevitably follow and so strike a serious blow against the farming industry. “Countries competing with us are fully alive to the demands of the British consumer,” said Mr. Hewitt. ‘Quality, which commands a premium on the English market, is their goal. Our competitors have issued a challenge, and, with their Governments fully behind them, they are rapidly becoming serious rivals. The idea that there is a limit to the best quality they can produce is a mistake and should be dispelled.”

The Argentine had been regarded as being a beef country only, but now she was turning her attention to sheep. Recently an expert from England went there to advise on the question of raising fat lambs, which showed that the farmers there propose working on the right lines. In New South Wales and Victoria they were working overtime in trying to improve their quality and were making a great success of it. “Our supremacy in the fat lamb trade is something we have to guard most jealously,” said Mr. Hewitt. “If we lost it I would not be surprised if our land values fell by £100,000,000, which would be staggering to this Dominion. We have no alternative but to remain on top, and this will^ entail constant striving after quality.”