WELLINGTON NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1928, Page 4

WELLINGTON NEWS

PRIMARY PRODUCTS. (Special to “ Guardian WELLINGTON.. March 24. The latest intelligence from overseas indicates that some changes have taken place in respect to primary products which will involve New Zealand in increased competition, or in any case compel us to exercise the greatest care and caution. It is reported that the Union Cold Storage Company (Ve.stoy Bros.) had undertaken the marketing ol Russian dairy produce in Britain, advancing 70 per cent ol the value of the dairy products, and is further extending to the Soviet, Government a credit for halt a million sterling which will he utilised by the Soviet for dairy development in Siberia and Hie Urals. The Union Cold Storage Company is in a position to render effective service to Russia in respect of dairy produce, ior this concern has a controlling interest lit \A . Weddel and Co., the Too lev Street merchants. ft 'till be remembered that when the Dairy Hoard exercise:! absolute control over Now Zealand dairv product* in Loudon it "as stated that some of the leading merchants in Tooley Street had had their attention diverted to other-sources ol supply of dairy produce, and it is quite possible that this accounts for the fact that the Union Cold Storage Company, through \V. Weddel and Company, have acquired trading interests in Russia, lor Sir Kdround \ etsey has stated that the company had traded with Russia lor some time satisfactorily. The interest taken by the Union Cold Storage Cympany should lie of great benefit to the Russian producers, and we may expect to see a steady improvement in quality. According to the prices published by the Dairy Produce Hoard Siberian butter is already in the English market this season anti is selling at Piss to 170 s. or just about L’s to 4s below New Zealand. It is evident from this tlml British supplies will show an expansion this year. Imports ol butter into Great Britain for the two months ended February totalled 1,1 ]4).3o3ewt, as compared with 84!>.7O0cwt lor the corresponding period of last year, and increases in imports arc-shown this year from Russia, Denmark, I’inland. France, Argentine, Irish Free .State, and “other countries.” It would appear that those supplying the British market are concentrating their efiorts on increased production and higher quality. It yet remains to he seen what effect the new regulations with respect to preservatives in butter will have, hut the test for us will not come until next season. Another important change occurs in the frozen meat trade. Germany is restricting the imports of frozen meat to 50,000 tons per annum, and Franc' is also restricting the frozen meat trade hy increasing the tariff. There is perhaps some justification for the movement in France, for that country is interested in .Madagascar, where there arc several freezing works, and efforts have hcoii made to improve the quality of the cattle in that country. .Madagascar is a French possession, and no question can lie raised about France taking an interest in that country. The restrictions imposed hy France and Germany will more directly affect the South American Republics, from wheiue the Continent has derived its meat imports. It will alleet us indirectly because Argentine meat "ill be diverted to British market.--. Frozen beef G not to be compared wiilt chill*' I beef, and this is the principal exporl from the South American Republic*, but it seems now that Australia has overcome (he “ chilling “ diliieultios and several experimental shipments have been seel to London. Numerous difficulties were exportouveii with the earlier shipments, hut these appear to have been siiccesfiilly overcome. Couiidonee i.. -aid in be justified owing to the results of a consignment of 21,065|bs which - was placed on board the motor ship Port lluon at Brisbane on September Ist, and marketed at SmithHeld on October 29th. The shipment was inspected by meat experts who expressed themselves satisfied "ith the appearance of the meat on arrival The quality, however, was not up to tlm standard of Argentine beef. This is quite likely tor in the Argentine they have been concentrating on the production of “ chillers ” lor the British market. If the Australian experiments turii out as anticipated the Australian pastoralist can be trusted to produce the right kind of steers to be converted into chilled beef lor the London market. The success of the experiment will mean a big thing for Australia, and incidentally New Zealand should benefit.