THE MEAT INDUSTRY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1631, 24 December 1912, Page 10

THE MEAT INDUSTRY.

CANADIAN AND ENGLISH TRADE! During a nino months' tour of Great Britain and Canada, Mr. J. Balsillie, of Kairangn, who returned to Palmerston /North last weok, paid some attention to the meat industry. Questioned by s. "Standard" reporter as to demand in Great Britain for New Zealand produce, Mr. Balsillio mentioned that New Zealand meat was in particular demand, even in Canada. While at a store in Vancouver he was informed that New Zealand meat was much preferred, and there was every possibility of an increasing trade in this product. In England he had been told that foreign meat was being sold as New Zealand. On inquiry, Mr. Balsillio found that the whole trouble lay in the fact that for about three months in tho year New Zealand sent Home very littio meat, with the result that tho demand for it was greater than the supply. The English butchers were -consequently forced to buy and sell foreign meat, but they did not tell their customers that such was the case. New. Eealand meat was' much preferred when it could be obtained. If this trouble was to'be overcome there would have to be some system by which the meat could be stored either in New Zealand or at Home, so that the supply could be regular all the year round. Mr. Balsillie advocated New Zea-land-meat being sold on its merits, and he was, sure it would hold its own. It would also be of advantage if the meat export was worked similarly to the butter export. The products should be graded,' and should bear tho Government stamp. The freezing companies could obtain far better prices if they did not compete against each other... - Mr. Balsillie complained that New Zealand was not advertised enough in England. Australia and. Canada were boomed, and the Commonwealth was noiv, erecting a large building at Home where they will be able to display their goods. It was surprising tho great ignorance that ■was generally shown as regards the Dominion. In Canada New Zealand was a little better known, and quite a number of Canadian farmers were taking up New Zealand land. While at Home, Mr. Balsillie visited the Roval Show and the Highland Show. As far as management was concerned, neither ■show could teach New Zealand anything. The shows, of course, were bigger, there being a larger source • for stock to be .drawn, from. ■Mr. Balsillie was disappointed with the Clydesdales, which were of a rather light breed, and showed poor colouring. The white reached right up the legs, and in some cases even to the belly. A pretty sight was a parade of 300 Clydesdales in Glasgow.