BOARD OF TRADE

Evening Star, Issue 16550, 9 October 1917, Page 7

BOARD OF TRADE

MEAT PRICES AND WHEAT. [Special to the ' Star. '] CHRISTCHURCH, October 9. Ihe Board of Trade -made further inquiries at Christchurch this morning into the position of the meat trade. The members of the board left for the south at midday, and will not return until October <SO. lne butchers in the meantime have agreed to bear the charges fixed until the boards inquiries are completed. Since the arrangement was made with the butchers the board have received many complaints as to the high prices of meat in Christehuvch. Definite complaints have been made that the people cannot buy frozen meat from the butchers at the prices agreed upon. It is stated that the butchers, when asked for frozen meat, simply state that they do not sell it, and customers have to buy fresh meat, for which high rates are paid at Addington yards. These complaints are being investigated by the board. The board on their southern tour will visit Timaru, Oamaru, and Dunedin. Their work there will be mainly in connection with the wheat question, especially the Government's purchase of the 19L7-18 crop. The Minister of Agriculture has instructed the board to consult farmers, millers, and others. The board will meet the- millersin Christchurch also on their return to this city, and it is probable that a conference representing all parts of the South Island will be held to go finally into the question with the board.

11 O'CLOCK OF THE PRECEDING DAY.