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98
in that form, and accordingly 500 quarters of specially selected beef
were shipped on the s. s. "Tokomaru," but the length of the journey proved too
great, and on its arrival at the Docks it all had to be condemned. About three
weeks seems to be the longest period for beef to keep in good condition (the
fastest of the Argentine boats invariably land their cargo best), and anything
much in excess of that time is sure to bring your Inspectors on the scene.
It is, therefore, probably useless for New Zealand to attempt to supply us
with refrigerated beef, unless some new and greatly improved machinery
can be devised.
That the large quantity of refrigerated beef above referred to should have
the effect of limiting the demand for a similar article in a frozen state is but
a logical conclusion ; hence, as a result, we find that beef from New Zealand
and Australia has not for the past year been so much in demand. In that
which has been shown on the Market, the requirements of the English trade
have been more carefully studied than was formerly the case (more perhaps,
than was possible during the period of severe drought in Australia); there
also has been a more accurate timing of supply to demand, and a fuller use
of that better judgment which is begotten of experience, with the result that
there has probably been less of Australian and New Zealand meat condemned
than has been the case for several years past.
The criticism of its officers' methods and the subsequent representation to
the Danish Government at the commencement of the year has had the effect
of greatly improving the character of the pork which is sent from there, and
although occasionally some is seized as not being up to the required standard,
yet a diseased or indifferent carcass is a very rare exception, instead of, as was
formerly the case, to be expected, in nearly every consignment.
Little or no Russian pork has come, the disturbed state of that country
probably precluding the possibility of its export, and the same applies to
Servian sheep, which latter are so carelessly selected that salesmen will not
be troubled with them. Only one lot has come during the year, of which
about two-thirds were seized by your officers.
The voluntary inspection of meat exported from the Netherlands continues to
show the good results spoken of in last year's Report, and the difference between
that which bears the label of the Dutch Government Officials and that which
is not labelled is even more marked as time goes on. There is, undoubtedly,
a sincere wish on the part of the principal Dutch exporters to comply
with our requirements, but they are manifestly placed in an unfair position by
the possibility which exists of persons, who for reasons which can only be
surmised, sending their produce here without first subjecting it to official
examination. With a view to taking steps to equalise matters, Dr. H.
Remmelts, Chief of the Government Inspection Service, paid a visit to this
country in December, and on several occasions accompanied your Medical
Officer and Chief Inspector to the Markets, where demonstration was given of
the necessity for compulsory inspection of all meat exported from that
country. It is hoped this result may follow his visit.