MEAT PRICES

Grey River Argus, 22 January 1943, Page 1

MEAT PRICES

TO BE STABILISED Scheme in Canterbury P.A. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 21. As a result of discussions on the stabilisation of meat prices, an agreement has been reached in Christchurch on a scheme to control the prices of fat. stock within a stabilisation range of values. An official statement was supplied to-dav. It. states: "During the last few days, representatives of the Minister of Supply have been visiting Christchurch, and inquiring into this subject. They met representatives of the Farmers’ Union, the Sheepowners’ Union, the Master Butchers’ Association, the Bye Products Company, the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the Canterbury Saleyards Company, and the North Canterbury Stock and Station Agents. They have also visited the Addington salevards and followed various auctions closely, interviewing- a number of those vitally interested in the raising of fat stock, and those disposing of fat stock to the public, both butchers and auctioneers. Subsequently, they again met representatives <>r thp various interests, and a scheme was agreed upon to control the prices of fat stock within a stabilisation range of values. A committee will be set up representing growers and fatteners. master butchers, and stock and station agents, who will watch the market, and when prices rise unduly above the basic price set down, steps will he taken to steady the market by importations of meat from outside districts. It is hoped that that other centres in the Dominion will follow this course, and that fluctuation of prices will be steadied. Because of a large quantity of meat being required for the forces, and of a dwindling supply of fat cattle, the prices in Canterbury have been abnormally high during the latter part of the winter .and the spring months. The Government is introducing a grading scheme, which will come into operation very shortly, when all joints sold' through the butchers’ shops will be ticketed and priced according to grade.”