MARKETING OF N.Z. PRODUCE

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 40, 10 November 1921, Page 6

MARKETING OF N.Z. PRODUCE

MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS AND MINISTERIAL REPLIES Among the "answers to questions” circulated yesterday were a number of replies t.o inquiries about the marketing of New Zealand produce at Home. Mr. T. M. Wiiford (Hutt) asked Hie Minister of Agriculture whether ill was a fact, as stated in the "Otago Daily Times” of September 24, 1921, that "th© New Zealand farmers were soiling mutton in England at 6d., while the retailers were getting Is. 6d., and claiming they were only making a profit of 2d.”; and whether, if that statement was correct, the Minister would explain to the farmers of this country “who was getting tho other ' lOd.” ? The Hon. W. Noswort'hy replied: "The Press statement rel'erred to would prob, ably have been dispatched from England early in August. Official information received by the Government a# to the general retail prices in England on August 16 is as follows —Imported mutton, other than ewe mutton—Logs. Is. to Is. 1d..; loins, fOd. to lid.; shoulders, lid. to Is. per pound. Ewe mutton, from Bd. to 9d. per pound for the abovementioned joints. Lamb —Legs, Is. 6d. to is. 7<J, per pound; loins. Is. sd. .to Is. 6d.; shoulders, Is. 6d. per pound. The quotations furnished as to retail prices tor New Zealand beef were only for prime cuts—viz., Ir. per pound for sirloins. and Is. to Is. 4d. per pound tor rump steak. At the same period the wholesale quotations for New Zealand meat were —-Muffon, light, 81d.; heavy, G3d. Ewe, s<l. to s|d Lamb., light, iSJd.S heavy. IT<T Beef (new season’s), hinds, 6d.; fores, 3!d.” N.Z. Brand for Butter. > further question addressed to the Minister of Agriculture by Mr. Wiiford was the following:—"ls it a fact that tho New Zealand producers in. the past have been in the habit of sending their butter to the Tooley Street merchants, who blend it with, margarine, and sell it in fancy labels, thus preventing tnu consumer tracing its origin; and does not Gie Minister Think it is the duty of the Government to see that the retailers get. the New Zealand butter under the Now Zealand farmers’ own brand, whicn would result in the article realising tho highest prices at Home?’* The Minister replied: "Many Loudon wholesale merchants _ hates »wn registered brands which are recognised to denote certain standards of quality of butter. These merchants purchase butters of various countries’ manufacture according to the season of the year, and blend these in such a way as to maintain the standards for their brands ns far as possible. New Zealand butters are frequently included in such'blending. Manufacturers of margarine may in England turn out a product which contains as much as ID per cent, of butter. New Zealaud~T>utter is at times used in this connection. New Zealand dairy producers have recognised the position, and have taken, certain steps, and are still endeavouring to take further action, which will preserve tho identity of New Zealand butters until they reach retailers or consumers. In cases whore a New Zealand dairy company sells its butter to a London firm, control on the part of the dairy company must cease after delivery. The Government is fully alive to the necessity for not only securing the best price possible for New Zealand butter, but also for enhancing its reputation with British consumers by direct sale to them wherever possible, and is doing all it can to asstlt the butter industry in ‘jirrying out its commercial operations to the best a’dvantage.” Heated Cheese Shipments.

To a question asked by Mr. W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne) about the state in which cheese was arriving on the London market, Mr. Nosworthy replied as, follows:—

"Reports from London indicate that some New Zealand cheese has during the last few months arrived in a heated condition, and tha matter is being closely investigated in order that the cause may Ire determined and measures adopted to prevent a recurrence. Prior to the war a trained officer of the Dairy Division was -stationed in London and attached to the High Commissioner’s office to give prompt and reliable information on defects shown by cheese or butter on arrival. During the war facilities for carrying out such duties were largely nullified, and the officer returned to New Zealand. The making of a further appointment with a view to strengthening the present staff of the High Commissioner's office is receiving the careful consideration of the Go”ernment. Suggestions 'Welcomed.

"If any better methods thin those at present in operation f or marketing our meat can be obtained, such methods being in accordance with proper commw- ■ vial principles, the Government, is quite prepared to do its part in assisting to make them a success,” the same Minister slated in reply to an inquiry made bv Mr. Wilford. 'lt is essential in endeavouring to bring about such improved methods thdt efficient business connections be established in Great Blritain in order that trust methods may bo effectively combated. Any businesslike scheme which is submitted to the Government will bo given most sympathetic consideration with a view of such assistance in establishing it as is possible.”