FROZEN MEAT PRICE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15774, 15 March 1922, Page 9

FROZEN MEAT PRICE.

MYSTERY OF 50 HER CENT. INCREASE. BUTCHER'S VIEW. LONDON, Jan. 24.—A Kensington butcher drew the attention of a Daily IMail reporter to what he described as a ramp in the Colonial meat market. "I am now paying (id or even Is more for best New Zealand sheep and lamb." he said, "than 1 was paying onlv six weeks age). Shortage of sup plies is given as a reason for the increase, but this shortage could be remedied if the importers were to release the large supplies held in st-re. As to the increased price of ,'vcn Zealand lamb, an official at the office of the High Commissioner for New Zealand told a Daily Mail reporter that it is due to the fact that "a month ago buyers in this country were prepared to give move for forward supplies." The rise in the middle price of New Zealand lamb tit Smithfield Market since-January 10 is Is 2d a stone (81b), the price having advanced from 5s (id I to (is Sd.

The plight of farmers under the present severe "slump" was illustrated at the Scvenoaks Market, Kent, which has been specially established by the local Farmers' Union for the disposal of their produce. Young store pigs were sold at prices ranging from 5s upwards, which is just about the pre-war price. The best sheep, weighing from 80 to 1001 b., fetched 7s; some with good fleece wool on their backs sold at 80s each. Cows weighing toewt. sold for £3O, which is about 4d per lb. "all in." There were hens sold for 2s, old ones actually for