BOBBY CALVES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 September 1939, Page 3

BOBBY CALVES

INCREASED COLLECTIONS MADE. AVERAGE WEIGHT LOWER. Interviewed by a representative of the “Times-Age” regarding his association's bobby calf activities for the current season, Mrr W. A. Phillips, chairman of directors of the New Zealand co-operative Pig Marketing Association. Ltd., stated that his company’s total collections to the end of August amounted to over 136,000, which represented an increase on last year’s collections to the same date of over 5000 calves.

“Altogether,” continued Mr Phillips, “forty pools spread over most districts in both Islands are marketing their product through our company this year. Apart from the collections from these sources, the company is as usual drawing supply from practically all non-pool areas in both Islands.” “Speaking generally,” said Mr Phillips, “it is already apparent that New Zealand’s total killings will show a further considerable fall this year, while another interesting feature of this season’s operations is the marked drop in the average weight of calves slaughtered. This is doubtless due to the bad winter conditions experienced this year, which naturally militated against a good conditioned product.” When questioned on market conditions, Mr Phillips stated that on the whole the results so far obtained were quite satisfactory, and at most points where competition for killings was keenest the prices obtained would indicate a more favourable market than last year. When asked to comment on the probable effect on values for the remainder of the season resulting from, the Government’s requisition of all export meats, he stated that this was still an unknown quantity and must remain so, pending an official declaration by the Government in respect of the price at which bobby veal and its by-products, if any, would' be taken over by the British authorities. “It is hoped, however,” continued Mr Phillips, “that this aspect of the position, including the relative effect upon other classes of meat would be clarified within the next few days. Meantime, however, it may be accepted as a foregone conclusion that there will be no quibble from the producer or any section of the trade in whatever action may be taken to meet the wishes of the Motherland in her present crisis.”