PRICE CONTROL OF WHOLESALE MEAT 9 MONTHS OF YEAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22825, 21 December 1948, Page 8

PRICE CONTROL OF WHOLESALE MEAT 9 MONTHS OF YEAR

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 21. The Price Tribunal yesterday issued its decision on the application by the Director of Price Control for the introduction of a wholesale meat-price order. The application was supported by the New Zealand Master Butchers’ Federation, but opposed by the New Zealand Stock and Station Agents’ Federation, Associated Wholesalers and Federated Farmers of New Zealand Inc.

The retail butchers contended that they needed a measure of relief from the position which existed whereby they were held to retail prices defined by price orders, while the prices to them of the bulk of commodities they sell were uncontrolled. “The tribunal is satisfied that the butchers’ complaints now have a real foundation in fact and that relief by controlling wholesale prices for meat is warranted,” says the statement by the Price Tribunal “The tribunal has, however, borne in mind the inadvisability of doing anything which would result in a shortage of meat available to the public. Free Period: September-November "It has decided, therefore, to introduce a price order defining wholesale prices for fresh meat for a period of nine months in the year and to leave the period of three months, from September to November inclusive, when the prices of fresh meat would not be controlled.”

The tribunal says that this course is regarded as experimental and the Price Control Division during the next year will examine carefully all price movements of meat during the uncontrolled period, so that, if necessary, complete control of o-'ces in subsequent years can be imposed. The tribunal is taking up with the C the matter of ensuring that during this uncontrolled or free period there would be adequate supplies oi frozen meat available at controlled prices. Basis Prices The basic wholesale prices for fresh meat for the controlled period of the year are as follows: beef, 51s 6d pe: 1001 b.; mutton, 7Jd per lb.; veal 61d per lb.; pork, 10Jd per lb.; lamb, lOd pe: lb. There are seasonal increases for July and August in the North Island, August and December in the South Island. The prices will be effective as from February 1, 1949. There will not be any increase in the retail prices of fresh meat except foi some slight adjustments in the prices 'of certain cuts and joints of beef in order to relate them to the basic wholesale price. Retail prices of frozen meats will be Id per lb. dearer than the prices foi fresh meat at at the flush of the season when meat is cheapest.