THE MEAT DISPUTE

Northern Advocate, 5 September 1945, Page 4

THE MEAT DISPUTE

THE general public is concerned intimately in the dispute which has resulted in a threatened move by Northland master butchers, who, after long negotiation with the object of having the retail prices of meat increased, feel that nothing short of direct action will ameliorate conditions they contend are intolerable. The position was discussed at the annual meeting of Northland Master Butchers on Saturday night, when it was decided that in the event of an application to increase retail prices of meat by 2d a pound not having been granted in the meantime, shops would be closed from Monday next. The master butchers declare that they do not wish the added cost of meat to be borne by consumers. To that end they propose that the Government subsidy should be readjusted in a manner which would meet the position as between primary producers, the retail butchers and the general public. The butchers demonstrate that whereas the existing retail price order for meat was based on prices of stock existing at the time the order was made, the price of stock on the hoof has almost doubled, while costs of handling meat have also increased substantially. In these circumstances, it is argued, the butchers should not be asked to carry the burden of uneconomic retail prices, especially when other trades have been granted increases to adjust their revenue to increased costs. The Government apparently considers that the butchers should abandon competitive bidding at auction, contending that but for this practice prices of stock would not have risen as they have done. That is as it may be, but the family provider will hope that an adjustment obviously needed will be made by means that will obviate interruption of meat supplies.