MEAT PRESERVATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20025, 25 August 1939, Page 13

MEAT PRESERVATION

EXPANSION ADVOCATED

AUSTRALIA AND DOMINION

GUTTING MUTTON EXPORTS

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. The greater development of the meat preservation industry in New Zealand and Australia, in order to reduce the quantity of frozen mutton exports, was advocated by Sir William Angliss, M.L.C., Melbourne, on his return from a six months’ holiday tour of England and Europe by the Rangitanc. Until recen'ly Sir William was managing director of one of the largest meat concerns in Australia, as well as being associated with a dozen other subsidiary companies, with which he has now severed all connection.

Sir William referred to the recent negotiations to obtain permission from the British Government to forego the quota in order that all surplus mutton might be shipped from New Zealand. He said that this indicated liow seriously the question of extending the mutton preservation industry should be considered in New Zealand as well as in Australia.

It would have the effect, he added, of improving .fihe price for mutton on the London market, which had been far too low .to preserving interests lor some months to lie profitable. Costs of Labour “I am suggesting a way out by which those compelled to dispose of their sheep to the freezing works may be able to do so under more profitable conditions,” iSir William continued. “Some adjustments will necessarily be involved, and one of tlie first will have to be in connection with labour costs, which in both countries are very much in excess of those to lie faced by our competitors in South America. An effort should be made with the workers’ unions covering this branch of the industry to modify labour costs so that mutton preservation may be put on a profitable footing.”

He said that if that could be done there would probably be a big increase in the demand for labour m this branch of industry. “We are not now preserving nearly the quantity ol mutton that is warranted and there is r.ot the demand for frozen mutton, although lamb is marketed at quite a satisfactory price. I would also suggest that an effort should be mad§ by the meat boards in both countries to pay a bonus on preserved mutton exports to assist the industry. The matter is one that really should receive very serious attention from the Government, meat boards, meat works and workers’ unions.”

Sir William added that the present preservation plans could cope with much greater orders than were required and, if satisfactory arrangements were made, no extensions would be necessary to increase the output tremendously. If any increase became necessary, it would be a small item and promptly overcome.

Sir William was accompanied by Lady Angliss and their daughter.