COST OF MEAT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12754, 25 September 1919, Page 8

COST OF MEAT.

HIGH PRICES AT ADDINGTON MARKET. BUTCHERS INTERVIEWED. The prices paid for prime beef and mutton at Addington yesterday have been much commented locally, in the, opinion of many Christchurch butchers the shortage of stock for sale at the market is principally due to the railway running restrictions which prevent the transport of stock to the market. There are, of course, other matters, such as shortage of feed, to 1.-e taken into consideration. It is suggested that most of the stock sold at Addington yesterday was driven in from short distances owing to the railway arrangements, and that, the position will be somewhat relieved next week when these restrictions are lifted. Generally there is a wide shortage of fat stock of all classes, and if the conditions continue the public should prepare to find frozen produce placed in the shops for sale. Naturally frozen meat of all descriptions would be sold cheaper, and providing the condition of the meat is good there is every possibility of Ifs appearance for sale meeting with the general approval of the public. With regard to the retail prices of meat, it is at present impossible to state a definite schedule of prices as no maximum has been decided upon by retail concerns. Nevertheless, it is interesting to compare the prices of beef and this time in the year 1914 with those of the present year. They are as follows: In September. 1914, extra good steers brought up to £2l 10a, while other beef “14 £ n ’ e ->’ tra P rim © wethers sold at 365, with prime quality gradin'* .’•nging up to 31s. To-day prime beef .is jiold at ; £33 155,. and prime quality mutton at 85s. •