NEW ZEALAND LAMB.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18777, 27 October 1932, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND LAMB.

THE PRICE IN LONDON. ENGLISH IMPORTER’S ADVICE. (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) AUCKLAND, Thursday. “ When I left London, best lamb was selling at 5Jd per lb., and I received a wireless a day or two ago stating that the price had dropped to 4}d per ib. for best down to 3jd per lb. for seconds," said Mr G. If. Michie, of Messrs Michie and White, Ltd., (Smithfleld), meat importers, who arrived by the Rang!tiki from London this morning. “ We had a rise in price whan the season opened last year, but there was a crash when heavy shipments from Australia started to arrive." He was not conversant with events since he had left England as far as Ottawa was concerned. During the Conference and until the time he left nothing had been made known in Britain as to the decisions, publication having been, withheld until Parliament considered the agreement. “ My opinion is that if Britain restricts importations from Patagonia and Argentina it will be to the benefit of the Dominion," said Mr Michie. “If New Zealand goes on increasing pro--duction the tendency must he to reduce prices. Industrial England has been having a bad time, and the housewife has only a limited amount to sjiend on a joint., perhaps 2s or 2s 6d, and for that reason a small carcase is a good proposition for the retail butcher. Argentina lambs weighing 141 b to 161 b. have been tried out recently with good results from the selling angle, but they have been mostly skin and bone. We get a certain quantity of lambs from New Zealand weighing about 261 b., and this type of carcase should be sent forward in larger numbers, because the smaller joints may be cut to suit the pocket of the working classes, it must not be on the Argentina principle, however, and exporters - must do nothing that will injure in any way New Zealand’s great reputation for quality. There lias been talk in recent times, both by importers and the New Zealand Meat Control Board, of introducing thirdclass quality lamb. This wouid be a mistake." New Zealand Beef Criticised. Discussing the beef market Mr Michie spoke rather disparagingly of the New Zealand product, referring to the class slaughtered for export as being more or less scavengers. Mr Michie is the, son of Mr A. Michie, who retired from the position of general manager of the Rank of New Zealand in 1906. ilo is still a director of the bank in London and on the directorate of the New Zealand Union Steam Ship Company.