VENISON FOR EXPORT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 12 May 1925, Page 3

VENISON FOR EXPORT

LOCAL BUTCHER’S VENTURE FARMERS’ HELP SOLICITED An attempt was made some years ago, it is understood, to. export vwiison from New Zealand, but it broke down chiefly through the difficulty that was encountered in the cost of transporting the carcases to the shipping centres. A Wellington business man, MiVjft. Phi Ip, says the Post, is now about to embark upon a second venture, which he hopes will be more successful. He has secured the necessary authority from the Government to kill deer and send the meat abroad, and he is now perfecting his shipping and other arrangements. New Zealand venison is reputed for its quafitv, and has been praised by visit.ing sportsmen as the finest iri the world. No doubt a considerable export trade would have been built up long ago. had it been possible to make it a profitable business, but the chief difficulty lias been the problem of conveying the animals, which are necessarily shot in the “out-back” districts, to toe freezing works. Until the advent of the motor-lorry the pack saddle and the railway were the only practicable means of transport, but the expense incurred in this method of transport, involving as it does much handling, considerable delay, and consequent deterioration of the meat, may be avoided by utilising the pack saddle and motor traction. Mr Philp has made careful plana for the shooting of the game, and he feels confident tlist his> scheme will work satisfactorily, to his own advantage and to the advantage of station holders, provided he is assisted to some extent by the farmers. He pointed out to a Post reporter that deer, which were estimated to number 400,000 in New Zealand to-day, and which were increasing by 100,000 per year, were the cause of much damage to farmers’ property, and therefore anticipated that the station holders would be glad to assist him in his attempt to shoot them down. 110 proposed to engage expert shots to go through the deer-infested districts, and the help that lie sought from tiic settlers was that, they should supply portion of the, necessary equipment for the men, such as camping gear, food ,pack horses, etc. He took it that they would be willing to co-operate to that extent an return for having their property cleared of a pest. Only young deer would be shot, tile “heads” being left for sporting purposes. His men would have clear instructions in regard to what they were to shoot. If the scheme meets with success, and venison is able to be placed regularly on the American or English markets, the venture should prove of some value as a means of advertising the line deershooting sport the Dominion offers, and of attracting tourists who are interested in stalking. ..