CLOSED SHOPS

Evening Star, Issue 25993, 7 January 1947, Page 5

CLOSED SHOPS

SYDNEY’S MEAT FAMINE GOVERNMENT MAY RELEASE STORED STOCKS RUN ON FISH AND RABBITS (Rec. 10.50 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 7. If the master butchers did not reopen their shops, representations would be made immediately by the State Government to _ the Commonwealth Government, said the Minister for Labour and Industry, Mr Hamilton Knight. The State Government, he said, would suggest that consideration might be given by the Commonwealth to action being taken tinder the national security regulations. After conferring with representatives of the stock, meat, and allied trades, and delegates of the Meat Industry Employees’ Union, he was satisfied that supplies of meat, particularly beef, would be made available by the Commonwealth Government to any retail butcher who would submit his demand in the ordinary way. Supplies were available yesterday, and would be today. Union officials were confident that if the Government takes_ over the meat in storage and releases it to the trade in Sydney and Newcastle, many more butchers would reopen. The union is opposed to a strike, which it considers is in the interests of the butchers only.. Despite the large supply of fish and rabbits yesterday, the demand was too great, and most, shops were emptied early. Fortunately fish stocks continue to mount. A consignment of Tasmanian shark fillets arrived yesterday, and. will be on sale to-day. The demand for-fish, rabbits, preserved meat, and tinned goods will be heavier to-day.