The Farm.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 2, 8 April 1893, Page 16

The Farm.

THE BACON-CURING INDUSTRY. A few remarks under the above heading will serve to direct attention to an industry which is as yet in its infancy here. The climate of Southland is eminently suited to raising pork and converting the same into first-class quality bacon, whilst the chances of a bad harvest and damaged crops make the farmer of necessity fatten pigs to obtain some return for his second-quality grain. During the past few years our dairying industry lias made wonderful progress, and steadily increased the pork supply, but the latter is still totally (inadequate to meet the demand for local-cured bacon and hams. The farmers of Canterbury and Otago are far in advance of their Southland brethren in conserving the bacon-curing industry. Whilst the complaint has been that prices are low, they have recognised the fact that with the rise in value of beef and mutton, pork must also reach a higher standard; and the advance of Id per lb. in this season’s price lias proved their judgment correct. Whilst prices have been more favourable in Southland, Canterbury has exceeded our local supply by 90 per cent, The “ gintlcman that pays the rint” has always been reckoned the poor man’s friend, but in New Zealand the wealthier district profits most by his help. “ Mutton and wool are our staples,” remark ruuholdcrs, but the policy of our present Government points to a future of small holdings, and the occupiers of these will be forced to consider every item which will'add to their income. Australia, with its hot winds and tropical heat, while producing heavy supplies, is forced to purchase New Zealand cure, owing to the fact that bacon and hams manufactured in an artificial temperature entirely lack flavour and substance. The demand for Southland.cure has never been supplied in foreign markets. This season jjoints to a highly advanced price and increased sales. Yet the fact remains that local curers are forced to purchase in Canterbury and Otago markets, paying heavy railage on pigs, and sending money out of the district, which should instead benefit our own community. With an ever-growing population in our colonics, the industry is one which in the future will prove a strong resource to Southland.