THE MEAT TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1922, Page 5

THE MEAT TRADE.

RELIEVING THE POSITION. CONDITIONS AT HOME. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, April 7. Interviewed, Mr. Elder said he was glad to see the Commonwealth Government was taking an active interest in the position of the meat trade. He hoped the Government’s welcome offer would quickly have effective results, otherwise it would be too late for this sea. son. The best propaganda the Meat Board can follow consists of the cheaper production of cattle, lower freezing costs, cheaper ocean transport, improved quality and better dressing. Australian beef is in competition with the world, and must stand or fall on its merits. Mere boosting is of no avail. The Meat Board should support the endeavor being made here to get the authorities to accept the recommendations in the Bridgeman report, which would afford the much-needed and only effective protection to Australian meat imports. The Commonwealth Government should assist in this direction. Argentine chilled beef shipments have been recently reduced. Doubtless the losses have been too heavy, owing to the imports being greatly in excess of normal consumpiton and sold below cost. It is possible a price war, in the shape of dumping, may recur. Meantime the consumption of frozen beef has benefited and prices are hardening. It is impossible to forecast the trend of the market, as it is entirely dominated by foreign interests. Argentine meat importers have decided to combine to restrict imports.