THE Kaipara Advertiser, AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 1913. THE MEAT MARKETS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 14 May 1913, Page 2

THE Kaipara Advertiser, AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 1913. THE MEAT MARKETS.

"It is absolutely impossible that the present methods of handling frozen produce in London should be allowed to continue," says Mr T. Mackenzie. Other New Zealand official representatives in Great Britain have said similar things previously, but the position seems to have under--gonp little alteration. Time and time again the irregularities practised on our produce have been given publicity, the inothods in use exposed and denounced, but no remedy has been introduced. Whether Mr Mackenzie has a practical scheme in view for improvement is not yet clear. As to our meat exports the German market is spoken of in some circles as the next proposition for our exporters to attack. It is pointed out in support of this project that a speculative German (Herr Henoch) has v taken the bull by the horns," and hopes to establish a successful business. He has found that the conditions designed by the "vets '; of dressing can be easily complied with in the case of mutton, but as regards beef are quite impossible. He has gone in for the mutton trade therefore, is establishing storage, and pushing business. The tax at the ports of l*B4d has been reduced for a year or two in defference to the cry against the dearuess and scarcity of meat in the Eatheiiand. Last year he sold 3,000 .through the municipal authorities of Jberlin, at rates averaging ljd ta 3d less than rates ruling in the German capital. Owing to this encouragement he has ordered a consignment of 25,000 sheep from Australia, and his storage capacity is now for 300,000 carcases. It would seem then as if Herr Hcnoch is satisfied that Australian mutton will be required, despite the fact that the tariff must eventually go back to its former rate. We must say that we find this feature impivssivc. And it has to be remembered that the Germans are not a mutton-eating people ; they prefer the pig. To make this race take to mutton pies instead of sausages will be a difficult task, which it will be

as well to leave to Meinlieer the speculative pioneer for a time. If he succeeds the produce of Australia will not be competing in good years with our produce in England, and in their bad seasons our exporters will be able to take advantage of the empty German market and raise prices all round. But it must not be forgotten that the Argentine threatens to be a serious rival, although not in the lamb market—our best asset. Not very long ago a butcher was convicted for offering Argentine as New Zealand, and a few instances such as this will demonstrate in effective manner the superiority of the New Zealand article.