Meat Trade.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1922, Page 1

Meat Trade.

AUSTRALASIAN BEEF PIECES. AUSTIIAI.IAX AND N.Z. CABLK ASSOCIATION. LONDON, May 29. Interviewed by the Australian press. Air Elder said although it is still rumoured that Argentine interests ar< now working in agreement, there is no confirmation of the rumour and chilled beef shipments are being enormously increased, despite the fact that the market prices are lower. Therefore it seems quite clear that whether Argentine shippers arc in agreement or competition, the result to Australasia is the same. Argentine producers, by dumping huge beef shipments into England mean either to oust Australasian frozen beef from the British market or to relegate it to a very low position. Australasian beef prices are entirely controlled by foreign competitors.

AMERICANS BEATING DOMINIONS. LONDON. May 29. Air Elder said further that the beef bonus that has now been granted b.\ the Commonwealtii Government, also tile latest reduction in freight, and likewise the decrease in the wages of workers at the Australian freezing works, have been of great value to the beef trade from that country. They represent a very welcome addition to the price which can be paid the beef producer, and will result in a much larger export of Queensland beef to Great Britain than otherwise would have taken place. Yet, owing to the aforesaid Argentine action, the Australian meat is unlikely to meet with a satisfactory market in Britain, despite the strenuous efforts made at this end. Australia will get no help from the British Government. The protection asked for by the adoption of the Bridgemnn Report would actually mean cheaper beef for the consumer. The Australian exporters lias sent the cheapest beef that this country has enjoyed during the last quarter of a century. If this source of supply is to he interfered with, then the consumer must of necessity, pay more. Furthermore the national aspect of the situation is serious, and it will got more serious as the years pass, if nothing is done here to protect the Empire beef production against the calamitous onslaught by fo- j reign interests. ’British-grown beef | is not keeping pace with requirements aii(l the proportion of home-grown beef to the total consumption is decreasing every year by about 1 per cent. Foreign beef is filling the shortage. We all know that the sentiment of Britain towards all business propositions is strictly one of the pocket. The magnificent preference that is being accorded to British goods by Australia is virtually unrecognised in any practice) British response. ;