PRICE OF BEEF

Evening Star, Issue 25005, 26 October 1943, Page 2

PRICE OF BEEF

BUTCHERS' HEAVY LOSSES HIGH RATES FOR,PRODUCERS " The position is just as serious in Dunedin," said a local butcher when asked to comment on the report; from. Napier that the butchers there had unanimously decided that owing to the Dominion shortage and high cost of beef and the obligation to comply with the tribunal's retail prices, no further cattle would be purchased. "We ara endeavouring to keep the position within bounds and to supply the publio as far as possible," said the Dunedin butcher, who added that a meeting was to be held shortly to come to a decision on the matter. Similar action has been taken by ; a large wholesale* firm in Wellington, which supplies an average of 100 beef bodies a week to city retailers. As the firm is unable to reconcile its view of values with the prices being asked. ,by producers it has ceased to operate on the current market for beef. The firm has been offering 50s per 1001 b for prime beef, but producers are seeking, and are able to obtain, because of tha strong demand, ' 60s to 60s. City, butchers who formerly drew. their supplies of beef from this firm have been, forced to make what other arrangements they .can, _but it is understood, that none'has'yet ceased to sell beef, f Although none of the .' Auckland wholesale meat firms appear to have' followed the example/of the Wellington company, it is stated that in Auckland the difference between the market price and the' authorised retail price is now so marked that the butchers' are losing up to £6 and £7 a carcass. Recent market prices to the producers in Auckland have run up to about 60s per 1001 b for prime beef, and the retail price which the butchers are able "to charge is 36s 6d per 1001 b, eutailing a loss on this quautity of 23s 6d. Postponed already from August 19 last, the grading of meat may possibly not be brought into operation (says the Wellington w ' Dominion '). An amending regulation was gazetted to bring the scheme into effect in the Wellington area on November 15, but there is some speculation as to'_whether this will be practicable. It is understood that no definite advice has been received by the Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for the administration of the scheme. The p! a a was that, by a system of coloured marking of different joints of meat, the consumer be able to distinguish exactly the quality before purchase. There'is already a shortage of.beef, and it is considered that the inauguration of the scheme would create a heavy demand for first-grade meat, besides being an upsetting factor on' the price trend of the local market during » period of shortage. Difficulties hava arisen, it is stated, which suggest that it may not be possible to carry out tha original plan. However, air early Government pronouncement is expected.