SUBSIDY ENDED

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1929, Page 2

SUBSIDY ENDED

EXPORT OF,PORK.

‘ DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE

WELLINGTON, Nov. ,11

Having-.assisted jq u prorpoting the export of pork by expending £54,880 in subsidies, Cabinet has decided to discontinue the export bonus after the end of the present monthvwThisi means that subsidy’ will he paid on all pork shipped to . the . United Kingdom up to and including Nqyember 30, and not afterwards.

In making this announcement the Hon G. W. Forbes, Minister of Agriculture, remarked that it was satisfactory to note that the trade in export pork has developed considerably, shipments for the year ended October 31 amounting to 159,297 carcases. Early last year, before the subsidy was granted, market values for pigs suitable for both export and local trade were at a very low level, and an incentive to increased output was consequently lacking Since then values have improved, and those now ruling are on a. good basis, though as regards the export market this may be influenced to some extent by short supplies in London. “However,” said the Minister, “our New Zealand pork has made a good reputation for itself on the English market, and with care and attention given to quality, and the. avoidance of feeding methods likely to produce an undesirable taint,' there is a good prospect of still further building up a valuable export trade in both porker and baconer carcases. It is the desire of the Government to further this, and during the recess careful inquiry and consideration will be given to the question of how it can best be done. Many producers have had the impression that they were not receiving the full direct value of the subsidy, but the fact that at the time of purchase from the farmer pigs to be utilised for the local trade and export respectively could not be differentiated rendered it impossible in many cases to pay the subsidy direc t to producers. It, however, has no doubt been of distinct benefit and can be regarded as having been a' factor in helping to bring about the present improved position. It is realised that there is plenty of room for a much greater development of our pork export. and it is the desire of the Government to do what it can to help to bring this about. Since subsidy payments commenced tlie sum cif £49,180 lias been paid in respect of pork exported up to September 31), and the estimated amount needed for payments on October and November shipments is £5500, making a total of £54,680.”