BUTTER PRICES

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 85, 7 October 1920, Page 7

BUTTER PRICES

NO INCREASE ON OLD STOCKS

A statement of some interest regarding the price at which old stocks of butted are to be sold was made by the Primel Minister in the House of Representatives yesterday, as the result of a question by Dr. Thackei.

Dr. Thacker said that he had a letter from a, correspondent (which he read) alleging that dairy companies had beert sending hundreds of pounds of butter to the freezing works for some weeks past : and he asked the Prime Minister if a. ceusus of stocks in codl storage could b* taken before the new price came into operation,' so that old stocks should not be sold at the higher price. The Prime Minister replied that instructions had been given that all tlw» old season's butter should be sold at tha old price. The Department had Information as to the quantities of butter held in the different stores throughout New Zealand. There was very little held in the South Island; but the new season wasi now opening in the North Island., andi supplies ware coming in. As soon as tho Butter Committee reported, they" would be able to make an announcement as to tho new price. , . Mr. D. G-. Sullivan asked the president of tho Board of Trade.what steps ho pronosed to take to prevent the consume™ being exploited in the meantime. In Ohristchurcl' Hie wholesale price liatl 1 beeii increased to 2s 7,Jd', and the retail' to 2s 10d.

Tho Hon. E. P. Lee replied that inquiries had been made as to stocks Of butter at present held, arid notice had been given that all_st<Jcks must be disposed of at the old price. If these, instructions were not carried out inquiries would be made.

The Chairman of the Butter Prices Committee. -Mr. J. A. Nash, stated that the committee could not Jiope to nspoft before Tuesday nest* us )io fewer than. jijiw wUiiohss* lwd not y»l tretuhied their evid ance to th« committee.