GRIM TRADE IN VEAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 116, 6 August 1927, Page 1

GRIM TRADE IN VEAL

Slaughter of Immature Calves Is Dominion’s Exports Fame Menaced?

FARMERS and slaughtermen themselves admit fear that the fame of New Zealand’s exportable products and stock will be menaced by the development of trade in immature calves for veal shipments overseas. Startling revelations followed an inquiry by a SUN reporter into the three-day-old calf business at present being carried on in the Waikato. Thousands of calves are being prepared for export which not one New Zealand farmer in a hundred would allow within sight of his own table. We publish to-day a photograph of a muster of calves for slaughter. Other photographs in our possession disclose the immaturity of calves that are being killed for export.

TN less than half a century New Zealand producers have forced their goods to the forefront of the world’s markets. In quality, and price, they lead, while others follow. Their grading system stands unchallenged. Yet, to-day, there has sprung up in our midst an industry which, were the true facts known on the British market, would undoubtedly do much to shatter the goodwill built up through these long and difficult years of trading. A GUARANTEE OBTAINED

of the department was subsequently able to announce that veal would be allowed into England subject to certain conditions. On the following clause the English authorities were adamant and received the guarantee of the New Zealand Department of Agriculture that their wishes would be respected. “Ail calves must not be less than three days old when killed, and must have been properly fed and nourished from birth.” An investigation proves that few of the calves slaughtered are well nourished. Many are hollow and emaciated by the time they reach the killing floor. Some are so weak that they have difficulty in climbing the race into the shed. Deaths have occurred, brought on through emaciation. Many of the calves are under three days old by the time they reach the works. Some calves are plainly born before their time. Others, again, have been taken from the mothers even before they were cleaned. Yet, these are the animals which the Agricultural Department is pledged to see are well nourished, and over three days old before they are passed for export. A MUSTER OF MISERY Jolted about the country for hours 'in motor-lorries, buffeted from side to side of the waggon, with the weakest trampled under foot by their fellows, many arrive bruised and shaken, with stomachs indrawn, and rib and bone plainly visible. A mongrel dog in a similar condition in the city would incite howl 3 of indignation. In the country, however, it presents a different aspect. An extra shilling or so is involved, and “what the eye doesn’t see the heart doesn’t grieve about.” Even the hardened stockmen are sympathetic, however. "Poor little devils,” they mutter as they push them up the race. “You can have all your veal after this as far as I am concerned,” is the common verdict. Not one farmer was encountered who had a good word to say for dressed meat. All referred to it in terms of disgust, and spoke scathingly of the future meat pies and pastes which, would eventually be unloaded on to the British workmen, purchasers of the cheapest varieties of meat. What about the veterinary officers, it might be asked? While THE SUN man was in the building, calf after calf fell victim to the knife, while the Government man was in another part of the building. The beasts were not inspected in the yard, but were apparently gone over after they had passed through the hands of the butchers. Thus, an hour-old calf, provided it dressed well, could pass the inspector. There is a percentage of certainly, but not nearly the number which could be expected if the Government is to keep to its agreement. SEEKING NO ' RESPONSIBILITY Who is to blame? That is the question. For the most part, the calves are slung hungry into a shed to await the arrival of the buyers. If they are three days old when the lorry arrives,

Early in the season when the ques tion of exploiting the three-day-old calf business was first mooted, trouble was experienced in obtaining a guarantee, firstly, that the meat would be allowed on to the Home market and, secondly, that it would find a sale. The assistance of the Government was sought, and the Minister in charge