MEAT PRICES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22486, 22 January 1943, Page 4

MEAT PRICES

Stabilisation Scheme Control Of Fat Stock Values (N.Z.P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 21. As a result of the discussions on the stabilisation of meat prices, an agreement has been reached in Christchurch on a scheme to control prices of fat stock within the stabilisation range of values. An official statement supplied to-day states: "During the last few days representatives of the Minister of Supply have been visiting Christchurch inquiring into the subject. They met representatives of the Fanners' Union, Sheepowners' Union, Master Butchers’ Association, the By-products Company, Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Canterbury Saleyards Company and the North Canterbury Stock and Station Agents. They also visited the Addington Saleyards and followed the various auctions closely, interviewing a number of those vitally interested in the raising of fat stock and those disposing of fat stock to the public, both butchers and auctioneers. Subsequently they again met representatives of the various interests and the scheme was agreed upon to control the prices of fat stock within the stabilisation range of values. "A committee will be set up representing growers and fatteners, master butchers and stock and station agents, who will watch the market, and, when prices rise unduly above the basic price, set down steps will be taken to steady the market by importations of meat from outside districts. It is hoped that other centres in the Dominion will follow this course, and that the fluctuation of prices will be steadied. "Because of the large quantity of meat required for the Armed Fore;s and the dwindling supply of fat cattle, prices in Canterbury have been abnormally high during the latter part of the winter and spring months. The Government is introducing a grading scheme which will come into operation very shortly, when all joints sold through butchers’ shops will be ticketed and sold according to grade."