THE BUTCHERING TRADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14579, 19 July 1909, Page 5

THE BUTCHERING TRADE

FALL IN WHOLESALE VALUES. RETAIL PRICES SHOULD COME DOWN. (Fsou Our. Own Cokrespondekt.) AUCKLAND, July 15. The butchers declare that they will not be able to buy stock any cheaper becauso of the glut in the Home market. They account for the gap between the local price and the Home price for New Zealand mutton to the respective householders by pointing out that tire butcher in England buys from importers who obtain such large shipments as to be able to sell cheaply. One of such shipments, for instance, would keep one of our local markets supplied for 12 months. The Auckland butchers say, therefore, that the only chance of a reduction in 'retail prices would be in the case of the export trade being closed. The result of that would, it is contended, be disastrous, as the population of New Zealand could not possibly consume one-tenth of the produce. Despite the protestations of the.butchers, however, a, representative auctioneer of stock had rather a different story to tell. Ho considered that, the butchers'onght to be doing well, seeing that sheep and lambs were cheaper now than was the case two years ago, and oven one year ago; vet the retail prices had not coiue down. At a recent sale first-class wethers sold to the butchers at an average of 19s 6d per head, and ewes at an average of 14s. Two years ago the price for lambs was £1 to £1 ss, whereas the present average price is 15s. Against these facts the butchers argue that their expenses have increased in the direction of abattoir fees and labour. This is confirmed by the auctioneers, so (he long-suffering Auckland householder finds that even a difference of 10s per head in the price of lambs to the butcher does not make a penny of difference to his own butcher's bill for that delicacy. The auctioneers state that the glut in the Home market has not put much stock on the local 'markets, although one firm of auctioneers reported that it was getting somo'small consignments of mutton from Gisbonie and the East Coast. If there was any increase in these shipments to the Auckland sales it ought to bring down prices. The fact shows that the " growers"' are looking fW an outlet. They are sending lots of 500 sheep or so, and if there were belter means of transport it Ls thought they would send more. Auctioneers, in short, consider that if wholesalo prices go down the butchers could afford to lower the retail prices. We shall see.