SUPPLY POSITION SERIOUS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25386, 18 November 1943, Page 4

SUPPLY POSITION SERIOUS

The deadlock in the fat cattle trade continued at the Burnside market yesterday, when the beef entry was the lowest on record. As a result of the butchers’ action in introducing a group purchasing scheme, graziers and fatteners are apparently not prepared to forward their cattle for sale. The market proceeded on the same lines as last week’s sale, with two buyers operating for the trade. The number of cattle offered at auction was between 40 and- 50. The balance of the yarding of about 100 head was entered by a grazier, who disposed of his cattle at the rate of 54s per 1001 b for prime ox beef, with correspondingly lower values for poorer grades. The two men who were buying on behalf of the trade went pound the pens, and after inspecting the cattle allotted them to the various butchers. It is reported that some butchers have been buying supplies outside the Burnside market. The opinion was expressed at yesterday’s sale that, if the butchers and the graziers could come together business could be done in the vicinity of 54s per 1001 b for prime ox beef. The ceiling price, which is at present 48s per 1001 b, will, however, fall to 44s on December 1.The supplies of turnip cattle are practically exhausted, and, owing to the backward season, which is six weeks later than usual, there will be a dearth of grass cattle for the market. From the point of view of the consumers, therefore, the position is serious. It is expected that, . even if a solution of the deadlock is found, there will be a shortage of beef for some time.