THE MEAT DEAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17335, 25 November 1916, Page 10

THE MEAT DEAL.

RECENT ALTERATIONS. INCREASED PRICES FOR FARMERS. The amended arrangements for the purchase of meat by the Imperial Government will incre-aso the price for New Zealand mutton and lnmb by Jd per lb, and for New Zealand beef by id per lb. The increases stated are sbovo the prices fixed fori last year's nwat. There is no information in Christchurch as to the reason for the increases, but it is presumed that they are in response to the dissatisfaction expressed by producers with last year's arrangement: By the amended regulations the Government will pay sfd per lb for first quality wethers, 721 b and under, 4|d for first quality ewes, 721 b and under, 64d for specially prime and Canterbury "lamb, 421 b and under, 6fd for-first quality lamb, 421 b and under, 5d per lb for prime ox beef, and 43d for second quality and heifer beef. The prices are f.o.b. They will apply to all meat slaughtered after last week, and they will operate as long as the war lasts and for at least three months after it is ended. These prices were accepted by representatives of the meat industry a few weeks ago, and the notice in the "Gazette" merely is official confirmation of the alterations. The prices for Australian .meat have been increased at about the same rate.