Fish For The Queen

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30044, 31 January 1963, Page 3

Fish For The Queen

Sir,—According to a radio broadcast on January 9, fish market prices were gurnet 2|d per lb, and groper is 4d per *> which indicated a glut; lyjt on the two foliowing days, the retail prices to the ooneumer were: gurnet, boneless fillets 2s 8d per lib and groper pieces 3s 4d per lb, which indicated a scarcity. The great difference between the wholesale market and retad shop prices needs an explanation. In view of the high ratal price of fish in Christchurch one is inclined to believe that the Royal oomrairanriat department has found it cheaper to bring its own supply of fish from abroad.—Yours, ete., RIP VAN WINKLE. January 23, 1983.

[The managing director of Feron and Son, Ltd. (Mr M. L. Newman), said: "Although my company has no interest in any shops, and no direct knowledge of retail prices, any comparison of prices should be fair and take into account the added value between the wholesale and retail article. Depending on the variety, often the fish bought by the consumer is only one-third of the weight oft the whole fish the retailer jJWginally purchased, the Other unwanted two-thirds have been thrown away. Cartage, labour, the heavy shop overheads demanded by modem standards of hygiene, etc, would explain the further difference in price. Apart from this, the actual prices broadcast were 3%d and 1* 2d. not 2}d and Is 4d, which causes one to question the accuracy of *Rip Van Winkle's? other prices. In general it would be fair to mention that Christchurch fish retail prices are among the lowest in New Zealand. Considering the high dietetic value of fish, the Christchurch consumer is certainly getting excellent value for his money ”1.