PIGS & POLITICS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1943, Page 2

PIGS & POLITICS

INADEQUATE PRICE PAID TO PRODUCERS MARGIN TOO GREAT BETWEEN FARM & RETAIL PRICES. MEETING AT CARTERTON URGES RE-EXAMINATION. “Stabilisation is no good if it is going to kill the pig industry,” observed Mr A. Linton, a member of the New Zealand Dairy Board, at a meeting of dairy industry representatives in Carterton yesterday afternoon, when it was decided to send a letter to the Minister of Marketing, Mr Barclay, expressing concern at the price regulations regarding porker pigs. In moving that a letter be sent to the Minitser, Mr G. W. Hart said that pig farmers were concerned that they were not able to get more than 6Jd per lb. for porkers, despite the increased feeding costs, during the winter months. Mr A. Reid seconded Mr Hart’s motion. Mi’ Linton detailed action that was being taken in the matter by the Dairy Board. He had written a letter on the subject to Mr Hales of the Dairy Board who was interviewing Mr Barclay. Mr Linton’s submissions were firstly, that stabilisation of prices in the pig industry was of no value to New Zealand if it reduced the number of porkers and baconers raised. Secondly, if the regulations were necessary they should be held over. During the winter months, taking account of the price of feed, the schedule price was too low. Mr Linton said he had asked for consideration of a proposal to raise the price for porkers in New Zealand to the Australian price of BJd per lb. Some operators were working above schedule rates and were paying the extra price out of an excess margin. The retail price for bacon was fixed and there could be no objection to that, but it was necessary that there should be a complete re-examination of the price paid to farmers and that paid over the counter by the consumers. The farmer received 6Jd per lb. while the consumer paid Is 7d. Mr Linton said he was not suggesting that the retail price for bacon should be increased, but that the margin between the farmer and the consumer should be re-examined. It was essential that something should be done. There was not sufficient pork or bacon to supply the Americans. There was a strong possibility of bacon being rationed shortly. The importation of American hogs would mean an outbreak of swine fever on the lines now being experienced in Australia. When the fever broke out it meant that every pig on the farm where there was infection had to be destroyed. It was a serious matter for farmers. In conclusion Mr Linton said he knew that there was discontent with the regulations through the North Island. Stabilisation was no good if it killed the industry. “Pigs and politics got mixed and the result is an unholy mess,” observed Mr E. T. Bliss. He added that the regulations were not being enforced at the Carterton sale.

The motion was put to the meeting and was carried unanimously.