MEAT PRICES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 18, 22 January 1943, Page 4

MEAT PRICES

SCHEME FOR STABILISATION

(P.A.) CHRJSTCHURCfI, Jan. 21. As the result o? discussions, pn the stabilisatipn pf meat prices, agreement has been reached in Cbristcburcb. on a scheme to control the prices of fat stock within the stabilisation range of values. An official statement supplied today says: ♦'During, the last few days re* preventives."of the Minister pf Supr ply have been visiting Christchuych, inquiring into the subject. They met representatives of the Farmers' Union, Sheep Owners' Union, Master Butchers* Association, Byrprpducts Gpmpany, Canterbury Agricultural and PastpraV Asspciajion, Canterbury Salo' yards • Company, and. North Canter* bury Stock and Station Agents. They also visited the Addington saleyards. and followed the various auctions closely, interviewing a number of those vitally interested in the raising of fat stock and those disposing pf fat stock to the public, both butchers and auctioneers. ''Subsequently, they again met. re* presentatives of the various interests, and a scheme was agreed upon to cop trol the prices of fat stock within the stabilisatipn range of values. A committee, will be set up representing growers and fattenerp, master butchers, and stock and station agents, which will watch the market, and when prices rise unduly above the basic price set down, steps will be taken to steady the market, by importations pf meat from putstde districts. "It is hoped that other centres in the Dominion will fpllow this course, and that fluctuation pf prices will be steadied- Because pf the large quan-r tity of meat required tor the forces, and the dwindling supply Pf M cattle, prices in Canterbury have been abnptv m&lly high during the latter part pf the winter and the spring months, • i 'The Government is introducing a. grading scheme which will pomp into operation very shortly, when all joints sold through butchers' shops will be ticketed and sold according to grade."