MEAT AT HIGH PRICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16436, 12 January 1917, Page 4

MEAT AT HIGH PRICES.

LOCAL INCREASE PROBABLE.

POSITION OF RETAIL TRADE

.ADVANCE IN SEVEN MONTHS

The probability of an early increase in the retail prices of meat in Auckland was mentioned yesterday by the secretary of the Master Butchers' Association, Mr. C, Grosvenor. He explained that the current prices in the wholesale markets are now so high that the butchers cannot continue their business under the current price list. No increase has been' made in the price of meat in Auckland since May 1, when the present price-list of the association was brought ink. effect. The only alteration was a reduction in the price of pork by Id per lb on June 29. Mr. Grosvenor said that the reports on the sales at Westfield on Wednesday showed advances in the price of sheep by 3s or 4s a head, \ compared with the previous week's rates and higher values fur beef. The follow-1 ing comparison between the rates ruling) when the retail list was last revised and I those now cuirent shows considerable advances :— April 26. January 10. Prime os beef, per 1001b 40/6 47 - to 50 - Heifer and cow beef 36 - 42/- to 47 6 • Ordinary beef ... 27 9 40/- to 45'Wethers, per head ... 28/- to 33'- 39'- to 44 6 Ewes, per head ... 25.- t030.6 34,'- to 38Evidence regarding the price of meat in Auckland was taken by the Board of Trade about two months ago. Representatives of the Master Butchers' Association then stated that any considerable advance in the wholesale rates would compel it to advance the retail prices. No report of the Board of Trade's conclusions has been published.