MEAT PRICES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23479, 17 October 1939, Page 8

MEAT PRICES

AUCKLAND INCREASE ACTION BY BUTCHERS GOVERNMENT APPROVAL STATEMENT BY MR. PICOT A statement that tho Government had approved the increases in beef and mutton prices which became effective in Auckland yesterday was made last night by Mr. l'\ It. Picot, director of internal marketing. Mr. Picot said ho wished to correct an impression that prices wero being made without the Government's knowledge. When tho increases wero announced on Saturday some butchers stated that for over a month applications had been xn.ido to tho Prico Investigation Tribunal for permission to increase retail prices. It was added that a special mooting of master butchers held last week had unanimously decided that, failing tho necessary permission from the Prico Tribunal, they would be compelled to mako advances without permission. Approval by Tribunal Commenting on tho position Mr. Picot said last night that early last week tho Prico Tribunal had requested that a cutting test should be held by tho Auckland butchers in tho presence of an expert representing the marketing division, so that prices could bo assessed. Tho test had been held and as a. result the Prico Tribunal had approved of an adjustment in retail prices. In doing so, tho tribunal felt that Auckland butchers had been under a considerable disadvantage through the fact that, prior to September 1, when prices wero fixed under the Price Stabilisation Emergency Regulations, they had not increased their charges in lino with tho natural season's increase in fat stock prices up to that date. No Prior Auckland Increase Butchers in most of tho other areas had adjusted their meat selling prices just prior to September 1, Mr. Picot added. Auckland butchers, however, had been of the opinion that fat stock prices generally would start to doclino as from October, and it had been hoped that they would bo able to carry the loss which was said to bo shown on both ox beef and ewe mutton. Wholesale prices did not show the anticipated fall and application to the authorities led to tho Prico Tribunal giving consideration to the particular Auckland circumstances. "The contention that arbitrary action was being resorted to is both unnecessary and illegal," Mr. Picot said. "Such action would have resulted iu Auckland butchers being prosecuted.'' Mr. Picot added that tho altered retail prices were subject to review it had been agreed 'with tho Master Butchers' Association that this would take place early in November, by which time it was. expected that a fall in fat stock prices generally was likely.