Salient. Victoria University of Wellington Student's Newspaper. Volume 31 Number 2. March 12, 1968
Sludge — Report From Today's Saigon Carcass Sale
Sludge
Report From Today's Saigon Carcass Sale
First indications were that today's sale would be up considerably on Hue's last Thursday. This was only to be expected in view of new guaranteed prices announced by Government yesterday.
The trend was most noticeable in areas around American bases where there was a heavy demand for four-year-old crossbreds and in markets around Saigon Hospital where buyers showed interest in slippings and crutchings.
In Australian and New Zealand sectors there was a good supply of two-year-old "oddments" which caused mild amusement among overseas buyers.
However, although response was fairly good, a note of caution was evident throughout.
Not only were the Iron Curtain countries conspicuous by their absence but the British had previously announced they could not even afford to bid.
Saigon, Today (Special Correspondent) —The Thieu administration has decided to pay seven dollars for each child killed in the war and up to thirty dollars for each mother.
An official source told Press conference today been made late [unclear: yester] gency cabinet meeting.
Added to this was the obvious dissatisfaction with the presentation of the offering.
In fact much of the offering looked underfed and tended to have its appearance marred by barbedwire and the over-enthusiastic use of chemical "fertilisers."
It might also be noted some charring appeared to be evidence "a fact which tended to disgust certain overseas visitors.
Generally speaking the fault might easily be traced to the Romney/Westmoreland crossbreed which is clearly not suited to local conditions.
At the moment only the imported Texan breed is proving sufficiently greasy to be accepted by local "authorities."
Amongst local buyers by far the most popular offering was one presented in black cotton. There is no Government subsidy on this line.
There can be no hiding the fact that there was a very strong feeling amongst buyers today that unless things improve very rapidly the chairman of the world's largest potential export company may yet decide to flood the market.