GRADING OF MEAT

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 23, 21 October 1944, Page 6

GRADING OF MEAT

Extension To Rest Of New Zealand

The extension to the rest of the Dominion of the grading of meat for the retail market which has been in operation in the 'Wellington district for almost a year is provided for in a notice which has been gazetted. The Acting-Minister of Industries and Commerce, Air. Nordmeyer, stated last evening that just before his departure overseas the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Air. Sullivan. acting with the approval of Cabinet, decided to extend the grading scheme in response to numerous representations from all parts of the country seeking the advantages and benefits which were already enjoyed by the people of Wellington. The grading would come into operation in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin on December 4, and in the remaining abattoir districts on January 1, 1945.

“Aleat grading,” said the Minister, “has been operating successfully in Wellington since November .15 last under the Board of Trade (Aleat: Grading) Regulations, which require that meat sold within the districts Io which they apply shall be graded and marked in accordance with the provisions of the relevant standard specification. Thq extension of the grading scheme will enable the Price Tribunal to relate its price orders Io the defined grades of quality which the specification establishes.

“It will also provide a clear and satis-' factory basis for the wholesale and retail trade, which will remove the conflict that arises due to misunderstanding and disagreement concerning the quality of meat sold in relation to the price charged. It will thus establish an equitable basis for competition and so prove of benefit to hoth traders and consumers. The extension of the grading is in accordance with the Government’s policy of stabilizing prices in relation to quality as well us quantity, which is a necessary counterpart to the stabilization of wages and a stabilized economy generally.”