FROZEN MEAT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 March 1941, Page 9

FROZEN MEAT

THE SHIPPING PROBLEM HEAVY STORAGE DURING SEASON. REPORT OF CONFERENCE. The situation relating to the shipment of frozen meat from New Zealand was discussed at a conference held in Wellington oh Thursday between the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board and district delegates. In a statement issued last evening for using ships for more urgent war purposes, together with loss of ships, would entail heavy storage of meat during and at the end of the present season. The latest estimates of killing for the season were submitted to the conference by the board, together with the position regarding available shipping. The board also supplied delegates with particulars regarding. (1) Increase in cool storage accommodation since the start of the war. representing an increase of 40 per cent, in total capacity erected since 1938.

(2) Particulars covering the economies made in space in respect of the cutting and packing of meat. (3) The possibility of shipments to other markets.

(4) The extension of meat canning. The position regarding, the purchase of meat by the Government for the present season was also considered in relation to prices and conditions which are to prevail. The Minister of Marketing, Mr. Barclay, attended and addressed the meeting. "After consultation with the Government, it became evident that it will not be possible for the normal quantity of next season’s live stock to be exported, and it is necessary now to take steps to restrict the numbers that are normally available for overseas," says the board's statement. “Freezing works will be available to continue killing operations next season, but as indications are at present only' a portion of the stock killed can be frozen for export and the balance will have to be treated locally by processing and other methods.

"The board and the delegates consulted with the Government in connection with plans submitted by the board to meet the present conditions, and that would ensure to the maximum that the Dominion would be in a position to meet the demands which would arise when it was possible to resume normal export trade.

“'The position with regard' to wool is assured because the United Kingdom Government have undertaken to buy and pay for wool on appraisement at store door for the period’of the war and one season after.”