The Daily News. SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1920. DISPOSAL OF OUR MEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1920. DISPOSAL OF OUR MEAT.

"If some enterprising New Zealand produce firm could interpose and place New Zealand meat on the Canadian market cheaper, that firm will have plenty- of scope for orders." These are the concluding words of a recent special message to the Auckland Star. The story to which the foregoing refers is certainly remarkable, and should be of great interest to the producers of the Dominion. It appears that a portion of the glut in mutton acquired by the British Government from New Zealand has been diverted to the American market. From 250,000 to 300,000 carcases of New Zealand lamb were sold to American buyers within the space of two or three days, and some cargoes of mutton previously sold were on their way to New York. Some of the shipments for New York were not being unloaded in England, but were being transferred from New Zealand boats to American freighters while standing in the Thames. It is important to note that as most of this meat was reported to be in prime condition, the cables were kept busy between America and London in an endeavor to secure further shipments; also that the new retail price of mutton in Britain is ninepence. According to information reaching Vancouver, it was estimated by the London port authorities last month that four months' supply of mutton was aboard the boats in the harbors, and more was on its way from New Zealand. Under the circumstances it is not surprising that it was urged in Vancouver that, further surplus shipments of New Zealand meat might, with advantage, be routed to Canada direct, where a ready market always "awaits the meat products from the Antipodes." Tlie reason for direct shipment will be readily understood in the light of what has taken place with regard to the selling of this surplus mutton. Surprise has been expressed in Western Canada at the disproportionately high prices demanded by retailers there for New Zealand meat, which is frequent 1 v "nM^

Ed at Vancouve--' from the Niagara and Makura, c" their arrival from Auckland. T^ e British Government was otftnng button on the American maikct for 12:; cents (nominally sixP<w c 9 per pound were being 's?frcl to America at such low prices, practically one half of the value of similar goods on the American market, while the people of Britain were compelled not only to endure a shortage, but to pay very high prices. When the commandeer of meat was instituted in the Dominion no one ever imagined that it would lead to the Imperial Government traffiieking in this commodity, and the revelation of these transactions with, America can only be | regarded as taking an advantage over the New Zealand producers. It has been, contended by the consumers that some extraordinary profiteering is being practised in British Columbia, as the New Zealand mutton reaches as high a price as fifty-five cents a pound (nearly two shillings). It might well be considered that the Imperial Government, with its proverbial high sense of honorable dealing, on finding that its supplies of New Zealand meat were beyond requirements, and knowing that a profitable market existed in British Columbia, would have intimated to the Dominion authorities that it would be to the advantage 'of the producers to ship direct to Vancouver and obtain the benefit of the high prices ruling there. Action of that nature would have been practical proof of appreciation of the services rendered to the Empire by the manhood of the Dominion, but, instead, there appears to be a sordid streak showing itself in these matters in Britain, and while Canadian consumers are being victimised, the Dominion producers are being deprived of profits that would have been theirs had the spirit of the commandeer been regarded and not the letter. The matter would not bear such an unpleasant aspect if the Imperial Government were receiving the profits, but as it stands at present it is the American speculators who are reaping a rich harvest, and they are the people above all others who should be deprived of the opportunity of profiteering. In view of the early cessation of the commandeer, it is pleasing to note that a co-operative society has been inaugurated in Vancouver, with branches springing up all over Western Canada, and it is expected that efforts will shortly be made by this agency to obtain New Zealand mutton direct from Auckland for sale by medium of the "co-ops," whereby the consuming public will be guaranteed a price for meat, considerably lower than the present outrageously high figure demanded by the profiteering manipulators in Canada, it being admitted that Vancouver wholesalers are paying, twenty cents per pound wholesale to a Vancouver mutton importing house for mutton ex the Niagara. This advantageous market awaits the Dominion producers at the end of the commandeer, and it may well be catered for as largely as possible. There may be some difficulty over shipping regular supplies', but that is a matter which must rest with the producers. The. time has arrived when the organisation of exporters should no longer be delayed, especially in view of the urgency of solving the shipping problem and catering for new markets. It is essential for their future welfare that they should act instead of talking and asking the Government to act for them. They may well bear in mind the proverb: "Heaven helps those who help themselves."