MEAT MARKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1922, Page 5

MEAT MARKET.

COMPETITION IN BEEF. ARGENTINE’S ACTIVITY. PROTECTION REFUSED. By Telegraph.—Press Asm.—Copyright. Received May 30, 5.5 p.m. London, May 29. Interviewed by the Australian Press Association, Mr. Elder said: “Although it is still rumored that Argentine interests are now working in agreement there is no confirmation of the rumor, and chilled beef shipments are being enormously increased, despite the fact that the market prices are lower. Therefore, it seems quite clear that whether the Argentine shippers are in agreement or in competition the result to Australasia is the same. Argentine producers, by dumping huge ’beef shipments into England, mean either to oust Australasian frozen beef from the British market or to relegate it to a very low position. Australasian beef prices are entirely controlled by its foreign competitors.” Mr. Elder added: “The bonus granted by the Commonwealth Government, the reduction in freight and the decrease in wages in Australian freezing works, have been of great value to the beef trade from that country. They represent a very welcome, addition to the price which can be paid the producer, and will result in a much larger export of Queensland beef than otherwise would have taken place, but owing to the aforesaid Argentine aetjon it is unlikely to meet a satisfactory market. Despite strenuous efforts at this end, Australia will get no help from the British Government. The protection asked for by the adoption of the Bridgeman report would actually mean cheaper beef for the consumer. Australia has sent the cheapest beef that this country has enjoyed during the last quarter of a century, and if this source of supply is to 'be interfered with then the consumer must of necessity pay more. “Furthermore, the national aspect of the situation is serious, and wil] get more serious as the years pass if nothing is done here to protect the Empire beef production againt the calamitous onslaught by foreign interests. British grown beef production is not keeping pace with requirements; the proportion of home grown 'beef to the total consumption is decreasing every year by about one per cent., and foreign beef is filling the shortage. Wo all know the sentiment of Australia in favor of Britain is one of heart, and I am sorry to find t'he'sentiment of Britain towards all business propositions is strictly one of pocket. The magnificent preference accorded British goods by Australia is virtually unrecognised in any practical British response.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.