THREATENED BEEF WAR.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1632, 26 December 1912, Page 8

THREATENED BEEF WAR.

SHARP, BRIEF STRUGGLE EXPECTED.. Some'further reference.to the threatened American beef war is made in tho "Financial Times" of November 15. which deals with the' matter in the following terms:—'

"With reference to the statement from a, San Francisco correspondent, predicting 'a mighty beef war," we find on .inquiry in London that the views'are endorsed by the leading interests here, although as settlement is looked, for of the matters at issue-Within a comparatively short period. There appears to be no doubt.that certain powerful Australian stock raisers have decided to contest the position in the meat trade of some of the largest American firms, and with that ohject are prepared to undertake operations on a large scale. It lias been pointed'out to ns, however, that there is at present,a genuine shortage of frozen and chilled' meat in many parts of the world, and however much consumers may complain of prices, tho pi-esent high level of values is due mainly to the difference between demand and supply, although manipulation on the part of /certain groups may also have been a factor in the situation. It is', therefore, 'anticipated thnt an understandinj will be arrived at. between Australian and American stock growers before the dispute has gono very far. Thero may,'. of course, be a temporary reduction in. prices.until an agreement litis been reached, but tlie 'opinion expressed in .more than one quarter has been that, no matter what reaction 'may occur in this in the immediate; future, there will be.a further advance later on, in' view of the insufficient shipments from all stock-raising 'centres. So far as concerns this country tho outbreak of foot-and-mouth diseaso naturally increased the' demand for meat from overseas, and this more or less temporary expansion in consumption still exists; nor is'it likely to disappear for some little time. As regards, the Loudon market for meat produced in other countries, this lias been dominated by American interests for many years, and it will bevery difficult for Australian shippers to obtain a footing in the beef trade Until they have come to' terms with the leading American houses. It is expected, however, that, in view of the stringent conditions in this country, a. large .number of Australian carcasses will find their way into.consumption over hero without necessarily passing through the l Farringdon Market."