FREE MEAT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1931, Page 1

FREE MEAT

GOVEiRNMiEINPS PU RCHASE

Particulars of the State’s purchase of. '25,000 fat cows for distribution as relief rations during the winter were given to the House by the Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister of Lands. The Minister said that four or five months ago fat ewes were selling at 4s Oil per head, a . price which was disastrous to the farmer. While tiro Government would not attempt to purchase at that price, it instructed an agent to buy at a minimum of 5s Oil, and the. purchases were made at an average of os Bd. That had the effect of improving the market" for sale of fat stock in the Dominion, and particularly relieved pressure in the drought period in Hawkes Bay. “I understand,” continued the Minister, “that the sale of by-products has practically ivaid /the whole of the expenses, and the freezing companies have given six months’ free cold' storage.’ The whole of the sheen were treated as if they were to be exported, so that, should the local demand not be up to. expectations, we could sell the surplus at 100 per cent, profit.” Replying to questions, the Minister stated that the purchases were made in Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and the West Coast of the North Island.