BUTCHERS' MEAT

Otago Witness, Issue 3420, 30 September 1919, Page 43

BUTCHERS' MEAT

HIGH PRICES AT CHRISTCHURCH. SHORTAGE OF FAT STOCK. (Fuoii Ouu Own Coef.jjsponde.vt.) CHRISTCHURCH, September 25. For some time the supply of fat sheep offered to butchers at Addington market has been decreasing, owing to the failure of feed. Yesterday butchers' troubles culminated in a yarding of fat sheep, only a little more than half of that required, whilst only short supplies of beef and veal were available. Under the circumstances prices soared. For fat sheep prices advanced from 5s to 8s per head, and in some cases to 10s. In many instances the overall price was Is per lb. One butcher who required 380 sheep got only 100 : another, who wanted 100, obtained 40; and a suburban butcher who wanted 40 secured only eight. Few butchers have supplies in hand. Beef ran in the case of steers up to £4 per 1001 b in some cases, and heifers to £3 10s. There was an increase of £2 to £3 a head. At the first-named price the overall rate per lb is about 9ad. Veal was at an almost prohibitive level. Last year butchers were able on obtaining a permit from the Director-general of Agriculture to secure supplies from the freez ing works at Government rates at ■ store (about 6|d per lb), with the addition of interest and storage charges. Apparently the regulations are still in force, and many butchers state their intention of obtaining supplies from freezing works. The meat is of prime quality and should prove acceptable to the public, as prices in t) e shops hav G shown an upward trend lately, and should now advance further. Supciirs of fat stock in the country are very short, and pasture is now growing, so that yard ings are not likely to substantially increase until near December.