EWE PRICES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 August 1941, Page 4

EWE PRICES

POSITION OF HILL COUNTRY FARMERS DEFINITE PRONOUNCEMENT WANTED. REQUEST FOR STABILISATION. “As representing the hill country farmers, it is time we asked for some definite pronouncement in regard to the price for fat ewes in the coming season —the ewe is the foundation of our economy, and the foundation of our great meat and wool industries,” said Mr L. T. Daniell, referring to the need for a stabilised price for ewes, when speaking at a meeting of *lhe Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union held in Masterton yesterday afternoon. “If we are expected to take a lower price for our ewe mutton we are entitled to ask why,” Mr Daniell continued. “It will be recalled that it was not the British Government that imposed export restrictions on our ewe mutton; it was the Dominion Government on the advice of the Meat Board. And it is to either or both that we must look for an announcement. The British Government asked for a 3 per cent reduction in the weight of mutton. The Meat Board cold-shouldered the Timbs method and led to the present mess.

“The Government has stated that it intends to spread, the loss over the whole community,” said Mr Daniell. “What will be the loss, and how will it be spread? Could the Minister of Agriculture issue a clear cut, franklyworded statement as to the intentions of Cabinet? If the price is to be below last year's standard, we as representing the hill country farmer should be heard. The ewe position must be stabilised at a reasonable level or the undoubted repercussion will throw the black face lamb industry out of gear,”

The meeting did not agree with Mr Daniell’s remarks relating to the Meat Board and its attitude to the Timbs method, and to the three per cent reduction in the weight of mutton, but endorsed his main contentions. It was decided to make representation to the Minister on the lines suggested. Messrs Hugh Morrison and R. W. Kebbell reported brieflly on the recent Dominion conference of the Farmers’ Union.