N.Z. MUTTON POPULAR

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20508, 26 May 1938, Page 11

N.Z. MUTTON POPULAR

“FAR THE BEST OFFERING” IMPORTANCE TO LONDON TRADE ENOLISH MARKETING FACILITIES The popularity of New Zealand mutton which is consumed almost invariably in preference to other muttons by the British public was commented on by Mr T. R. Toovey, M.8.E., representative of the Port of London Authority In New Zealand and Australia, when speaking to a Waikato Times reporter, while he was in Hamilton to-day. He said that the branding of the produce as “Canterbury Mutton” was wise, as so many English people believed they were purchasing Kentish meat. Nevertheless the New Zealand mutton was by far the best offering and its popularity was, therefore, only natural. Mr Toovey said that agricultural pursuits were still the greatest industry in England although the majority of colonials did not appreciate that fact. “England produces more butter than New Zealand and Australia combined but that amount is not enough to meet the demands of the home market. Most of the butter Is consumed in the districts in which It is produced and therefore the bulk of the butter used in London is imported,” said Mr Toovey. “New Zealand butter is the most popular of the imported produce In some districts while in others Danish butter Is preferred.” Handling of Produoe Dealing with the handling of New Zealand’s produce in England Mr Toovey said that all the butter went through private warehouses but the Port of London Authority handled the cheese. The Authority had always recognised that the great volume of produce shipped from New Zealand to the Port of London formed one of the most Important sections of London’s overseas trade. To foster this trade by close co-operation with the Dominion the Authority for many years past had had a personal representative for New Zealand and the able and vigorous manner in which Captain Pearse had acted in that capacity for 16 years was well known, but advancing years had made him decide to retire. Mr Toovey was, until recently, the principal assistant to the General Manager of the Port of London Authority but from November last, when he left London, he has been the representative In New Zealand and Australia, residing in Sydney. With the experience of forty years’ service in the Port of London he can claim an intimate knowledge of the Port and he has also had the advantage of visiting many ports In the European and North American continents. “It is my intention,” said Mr Toovey, “to keep before producers and shippers in New Zealand the advantages of London as a market and a port and the special facilities offered by the Port of London Authority for dealing with the trade with New Zealand and to supply to those interested in the vast trade between the Dominion and the Homeland any information regarding the Port of London that they may desire. Improving Trade “By discussion with traders and others I shall endeavour to find out their requirements in connection with the handling, marketing and distributing of produce In order that I may send home suggestions for improving and developing the present trade. “My experience is that the Londoner knows little of his great Port and perhaps I may therefore be pardoned in assuming that the general public in New Zealand have yet to realise the extent of the Port and the variety and magnitude of its trade. The Port of London embraces the whole of the tidal section of the River Thames—approximately 69 miles. Within that area are the five dock systems of the Port of London Authority with a lineal quayage of 45 miles equipped with the most up-to-date cargo-handling appliances and provided with dry docks to accommodate the largest vessels using the port. The Authority is the largest warehousekeeper in the world and is able to store over one million tons of goods. Accommodation for a further million tons is provided at the many wharves that line the banks of the River. “Some of the factors that have attracted such immense quantities of produce to the Port of London,” he added, “are that London is the greatest international market, the financial centre of the world and has unsurpassed distributing facilities not only for the United Kingdom, but for many other parts of the world. Its enormous local population and expanding manufacturing area, absorb vast quantities of primary products and raw materials. “During 1937 over 62 million net register tons of shipping passed In and out of the Port of London and 43 million tons of goods were dealt with. Both these tonnages are record figures and the Port of London continues to stand paramount amongst the ports of the United Kingdom.” In Hamilton yesterday, Mr Toovey met Mr H. D. Caro, the Mayor of Hamilton and president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, while to-day he conferred with representatives of the dairy industry with regard to the facilities offered for the marketing of Dominion produce in London.