H.—3o

EFFECT OF THE RATIONING EMERGENCY REGULATIONS AS APPLIED TO MEAT The following information is supplied by tlie Food and Rationing Controller: " Meat. —Regulations providing for the rationing of meat were introduced on 6th March. 1944. The consumption of meat (beef, mutton, lamb, and veal) in the forty-two abattoir districts of the Dominion during the six months April (the first complete month of rationing) to September, 1944, has been estimated at about 47,000 tons. " During the quarter ended 30th June, 1944, the reduction in killings at rural slaughterhouses was about 9 per cent. " At the present rate of consumption, the annual saving is estimated at about 20,000 tons." SUPPLIES OF MEAT TO THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES During the year under review there has been a marked increase in the quantities of frozen and canned meats supplied to the United States Armed Forces. The approval of the United Kingdom Ministry of Food was again sought and obtained for' release of the quantities and kinds of meat required by the United States authorities. The Meat Pool Account continues to receive a credit for the value of the goods supplied to the United States Joint Purchasing Board for shipment overseas as if these goods had been shipped to the United Kingdom. Owing to the reduced killings of cattle it has not been possible this season fully to supply the total requirements of the United States Joint Purchasing Board for this class of meat. Deficiencies have been made up by the diversion from canning of selected cuts and bodies from boner cows. This season all ox, heifer, and G.A.Q. cow beef has been processed in accordance with American specifications, which result in an increased yield from the carcass weights treated of approximately 5 per cent, and without a corresponding sacrifice in stowage capacity, besides giving the American Forces the product in the form desired by them. The Admiralty pack of moulded carton packaged beef has continued in favour with the United Kingdom Ministry of Food and the United States authorities, and regular deliveries have continued to be made during the season. During the year many discussions have again taken place with officers' of the Joint Purchasing Board relative to the availability of particular classes of meat desired by the Board and to the technique of processing, packaging, and delivery in accordance with requirements. The relations between the Department and the executive officers of the Board are entirely satisfactory, and difficulties arising have been met in a spirit of mutual co-operation and understanding. ACCOUNTS The meat accounts shown in the accounts section, pages 31 and 32, comprise (ft) Final Purchase and Sale Account of 1942-43 season's killings, showing transfers of £729,524 to the Meat Pool Account and £106,139 to the Meat Industry Stabilization Account. The circumstances of the establishment of the Meat Industry Stabilization Account are referred to in a note at the foot of the accounts (see page 32 of this report). (b) Purchase and Sale Account of 1943-44 season's killings up to 31st July, 1944, showing transfers of £842,091 to the Meat Pool Account and £640,188 to the Meat Industry Stabilization Account. (c) Administration and General Expenses Account. (d) Meat Pool Account to 31st July, 1944, showing a surplus at that date of £3,571,105. (e) Bobby Calf Pool Account to 31st July, 1944, showing a surplus at that date of £145,297 after transfer of £21,926 to the Bobby Calf Stabilization Account. (/) Meat Industry Stabilization Account showing a surplus of £746,327 at the 31st July, 1944. (g) Meat Account, which shows a credit balance at 31st July, 1944, of £38,918. WOOL BULK PURCHASE OF WOOL BY THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT The annual report of the Department for the 1939-40 season gives details of the bulk-purchase arrangements between the United Kingdom and the New Zealand Governments for greasy and slipe wool, and of the agreements between the New Zealand Government and the wool-brokers, wool-buyers, and wool-scourers covering services to be performed by them respectively in the preparation of wool for appraisal, the appraisement of woo], and the scouring of wool selected for that purpose. During the year under review the question arose as to the duration of the contract of purchase of wool by the United Kingdom Government. The substance of the agreement (see publication, Marketing Department, H. 30b, 1.940) was a purchase " during the war in which His Majesty is now (1940) engaged " and for one wool-clip thereafter. Following discussion, the United Kingdom Government agreed that the contract of purchase should relate to the " global war " a-nd one wool-clip thereafter. Ihe New Zealand Government is appreciative oi the action ol the United Kingdom Government in so determining the spirit of the contract arrangements. The purchase-prices of greasy and slipe wool for the 1943-44 season remained unchanged at the 1942-43 season levels, as follows :— Greasy Wool, per Pound. d. Ex-store overall average price (New Zealand currency) .. .. .. 14-0875 Slipo Wool, per Pound. d. F.o.b. overall average price (New Zealand currency) .. .. .. 19 • 523 Notu.- In addition to the prices quoted above, the United Kingdom Government pays on greasy wool 0-872 d. per pound, being brokers' charges 0-625 d., transport and other charges to f.o.b. 0-125 d., and Marketing Department costs, including appraisal, 0-122 d. On slipe wool the additional amount payable is 0125 d. per pound, being Marketing Department costs, including appraisal. The standard of appraisement has been well maintained, and the wool authorities in the United Kingdom have expressed their satisfaction with the results.

20