THE MEAT RATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24821, 18 February 1944, Page 4

THE MEAT RATION

OUTLOOK FOE TRADE HEAVY DECREASE EXPECTED MANY POINTS TO BE DEFINED The fall in meat consumption after rationing begins on March 6 may be serious for,some master butchers, especially those who are operating small shops with irreducible staffs. Although the plan has been designed to bring down consumption by one-third, men in tho trade believe that turnover will decrease more than that, possibly by 50 per cent. Naturally the trade is waiting to see how the system will work in practice when tho public has become used to it. Until then little can he said with certainty, but it is not impossible that some of the "marginal" shops, as they may be called, including branches operated by the larger concerns, may have to be closed. Extra Work Involved One master butcher pointed out yes* terday that the number of transactions in a shop was likely to remain the same, but the value of each would be smaller. Rationing would also involve a great deal of extra work in several ways. Smaller joints would have to be prepared, trimming done more exactly and much care taken not to cut off a piece weighing more than the customer's limit. Handling of coupons would also take time. All these factors increased costs. Reduced killings for local consumption will mean a fall of at least onethird in tho supply of "offals" and other non-rationed meats, on which many people are pinning their hopes. How far the deficiency can be made up by the freezing works has yet to be seen, but the purpose of rationing would be defeated to some extent if large supplies were released, although it is possible that special arrangements will he made regarding liver, which has very high dietetic value. Delicatessen and Meals Various questions about the operation of the plan must remain unanswered until a promised further statement is issued by the Government. One concerns the exact differentiation between rationed and nnrationed items among tiiose ordinarily sold in delicatessen shops. It appears that descriptions and definitions will have to bo more precise and detailed if confusion is to be avoided. City workers who are now in the habit of buying two or three meat sandwiches each morning for lunch will want to know if they must abandon the habit or go short of meat at home. Tt is not clear whether hotels and restaurants, which are to collect coupons from customers served with rationed meats, will be allowed full normal supplies. or whether they will be cut onethird, like manufacturers using such meats. Many people,also wish to know whether the normal meat helping will be given in return for a 3d coupon, or whether it will be reduced. Another query is about the arrangements to be made for grill rooms and restaurants in Auckland which largely for American servicemen. There is speculation whether these men will be subject to no restrictions, or whether coupons will be issued to them through their superior officers. SUPPLIES OF FISH NO INCREASE LIKELY Inquiry yesterday about the possibilities of fish supplies supplementing the meat ration in Auckland gave little hope to consumers who may be planning to buy more fish. An official in the industry said that catches to-day represented \nll the fish that could possibly be obtained under the conditions prevailing. All the trawlers and a number of the larger seine boats had been taken for other purposes, manpower was a problem, certain fishing areas had been prohibited, and there was a severe shortage of gear, including lines, which were rationed, monthly. In addition to this there was a large, demand for fish by the' armed forces;; including military and. naval hospitals, but exports were at a standstill. The next few months were those of lowest yield, and altogether there was little chance that more fish could be provided for the ordinary consumer. "THE FAVOURITE JOINT" DEMAND FOR SAUSAGES Although butchers could expect after the introduction of meat rationing a considerably decreased turnover, they would probably have more work to do than before, stated an appellant, G. 1). Smith, butcher, before the No. 1A Armed Forces Appeal Board yesterday. He appealed against the military service of his brother, Roy William Stanley Smith, manager of a branch shop. The Crown representative, .Mr. L. N. Harris: I suppose sausages will become the favourite joint from now on? Appellant: If you can get them. The appeal was adjourned sine die. CITY PLANNING OBJECTION TO COMMITTEE Objection to the personnel of the Auckland Metropolitan Planning Committee as suggested by tho town-plan-ning adviser to the Department of Internal Affairs, Mr. J. W. Mawson, at a conference in the city last week, was expressed by Mr. J. J. Mulvihill at a meeting of the Auckland Suburban Local Bodies' Association last night. Mr. Mulvihill agreed with the suggested representation of three members each for the City Council and the Suburban Local Bodies' Association and one for the Government, but considered that the Manufacturers' Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Labour, the Employers' Association and women's organisations should not have membership. The latter organisations could be consulted on matters that affected their interests. but he suggested that t.heir place on the committee should ho taken by five technical advisers, two appointed by the City Council, two by the Auckland Municipal Works Guild and one unattached. Representatives of the deleted bodies could also, perhaps, be included on sub-committees. Tt was decided fo submit the suggestion to affiliated local bodies.