The Waikato Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1936. THE MEAT TRADE.

Waikato Times, Volume 120, Issue 19992, 16 September 1936, Page 6

The Waikato Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1936. THE MEAT TRADE.

The views of a member of the New Zealand Meat Board’s London staff on the requirements of the Home markets should be of value to the producers, and the Board might make arrangements for Mr N. S. McClumpha to address' the farmers during his visit to the Dominion. The consumer makes the market, and it is the duty of the producer to ship the quality most likely to meet the demand. What has been done in the case of lamb illustrates the point clearly. Mr McClumpha stated, when interviewed in that criticism of Dominion lamb was not seldom heard. For years Canterbury producers enjoyed a premium for their lamb, but once the North Island farmers realised the possibilities of the early market and commenced to breed types suitable for it, London prices moved up and the trade is now well established. The Waikato has become an important factor in the early lamb export trade and last year the first consignment of the season was from this district.

What has been done in the case of lamb must now be repeated for the successful development of the trade in chilled beef. The prospects are stated to be encouraging. Mr McClumpha said that with the development of dairying at Home a great deal of cow beef had been placed on the market and this had spoiled the homegrown market to a considerable extent. It was sold at lower prices, he said, and had created the impression that good home-grown beef was difficult to procure, with the result that consumers had swung over to chilled beef because they knew the quality was uniform. Quality is always the test, and there is no reason why New Zealand should not raise the very best. The visitor, having first-hand information regarding the class of meat required, could give the producers the detailed information they need. He has stressed the importance of a careful check on size and quality, and if the producers have before them a distinct type then they can direct their efforts to produce it in increasing quantities. 9 The provision of suitable shipping facilities is assured, and it has been proved that this district can market suitable fat stock, between twenty-four and thirty months old, that commands the immediate attention of export buyers. The size of the quarters is an important factor, the preference being for the stocky type. If those engaged in the industry were brought into touch with one with a wide knowledge of the consuming markets, the discussion would be of value. Mr McClumpha has come out to study meat-producing conditions here, and advantage should be taken of the opportunity afforded for him to let producers know exactly what is wanted at the other end. With such extensive grazing areas the Waikato should be able to secure a recognised place in the chilled beef trade for it can meet the regarding size and quality.