MEAT PRICES IN AUCKLAND

Southland Times, Issue 23953, 20 October 1939, Page 8

MEAT PRICES IN AUCKLAND

TRIBUNAL’S ACTION DEFENDED MINISTER GIVES REASON FOR INCREASE (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 19. The action of the Price Investigation Tribunal in sanctioning . higher meat prices in the Auckland district was defended today by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan). The Minister also said it was considered desirable to defer final consideration of the local position.until the export price had been determined. The prices of meat for consumption in New Zealand would be based on the price arranged between New Zealand and the United Kingdom Government. Mr Sullivan referred to recent statements concerning meat prices. He mentioned in particular a statement originating from Christchurch to the effect that the Price Investigation Tribunal’s action in sanctioning higher meat prices in Auckland district only was criticized at a special meeting of the executive of the Canterbury Master Butchers’ Association. The Minister said the tribunal had approved of a small increase at Auckland because of the special circumstances which had operated there and which did not apply in other centres. There was no suggestion of preferential treatment having been granted, he said. The position of the retail butchery trade in all the main centres had been most carefully considered by the tribunal, but decision had been deferred pending the conclusion of the negotiations on the question of tire supply of meat between the New Zealand Government and the United Kingdom Government.

Mr Sullivan added that it was expected, that the negotiations would be completed at a very early date.