PRIMARY PRODUCTS.

Taihape Daily Times, 22 August 1919, Page 6

PRIMARY PRODUCTS.

IMPERIAL REQUISITIONS. ‘FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS. There is considerable doubt in the minds of the producers of the Dominion as to what will happen after the expiration of the periods -over which the Imperial Government’s requisition of the primary products of the country are expected to continue. The present position is -that all meat killed for export is on requisition up to June 30, 1920, while the exportable surplus of butter is to be taken by the Government. ‘up to July 31 of the same year. The whole of the exporl:a.ble surplus of laefory and dairy elleese is under requisition to July 1, 1'920_

The ordinary wool clip is under requistion to_the Government until June next, but the New zcalarid, mills are in the‘ position that they V-are able to getsupplies at the. position fixed by the Government. Slipe wool was placed under requisition (lm‘ing' the currency of the war and one ye~ar,. clcniniencing from June 30 following the termination of hostilities, so that under present. regulations this requisition cxpires next year. Although the Government buys all slipe wool, provision is made for the woollen mills of the Dominion to get supplies. Sheep skins are now being worked by the’ tcllmongers ‘Of the Dominion for the Government. ’ Hides have not been requi'sitione(l,A but have to be o"l'3ere<l to the tanners for an tindefinite period at prices fixed by the G*ovei:n'l'nerit. Opinions as to the advisability of extending the periods are somewhat divided. Some producers have ex~ pressed the opinion that is is in their interests ;to have a. free market, pointmg out that meat produced in other icountries is selling 3'‘ Prices highcrl than the)’ are HOW vß'9tti“g' There are = dthers who think it is desirable to; have some measure of Government, control; Principal-ly to ensure Smpfl ments to the markets of the wo.l‘ld.i They argue that the higher ‘pl-lees offering Would benefit them little ‘fl they were unable to get Ships: afldl Had to store their meat for 1l1(lCfil'll‘l1C'; periods. ‘