PRICES OF MEAT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 256, 30 October 1939, Page 6

PRICES OF MEAT

PURCHASE BY BRITAIN REACTIONS IN WANGANUI Ono of the features of the schedule of prices announced by the United Kingdom Government for rne purchase of New Zealand meat Is that there will now be a higher value to the hill-country farmer In cast ewes. Prices for old ewes have appreciated as much as 4s a head on last year's rates. While Britain will take ewe mutton and so avoid congestion at the works all will be well. On the other hand, breeders of fat lambs in the lower country will have to pay more for hill-country ewes. Until the charges from farm to ship can be balanced against the price to be obtained for by-products it is not possible to give an accurate forecast of what the farmer is likely to get for his stock under the schedule of rates just announced. Men closely in touch with the trade are hoping that the by-products will make the prices net to the grower, f.o.b. Mr. Nash made it plain that the prices Io be given by Great Britain would be f.0.b., meaning that the producer will have to pay the cost of killing, freezing and placing on board ship. ' In one authoritative quarter it has been suggested that the farmer will average 25s for a 361 b. fat lamb at the works, and 22s 6d for a 321 b. to 341 b. fat lamb. Ewes, it is believed, will bring 15s to 17s a head at the works and wethers 22s to 23s 6d. A 7001 b. bullock will bring £lO 10s to £l2. By-products,. such as wool, fat, and the pelt of sheep, are to be sold and negotiations are still going forward as to how they will be disposed of and at what price. Transport, and general costs vary, but they are all on the upgrade. A freezing works well situated to a harbour like Wellington has some advantages as to loading meat on the ship, but lacks the advantages , enjoyed by works like those at Imlay, where the transport inward to the killing boards is easier and therefore less costly. “The prices are very fair, indeed.” said a prominent fat lamb breeder yesterday, when questioned about the schedule. A Wanganui butcher was questioned as to how lhe overseas prices would affect the local market. He replied that it was too early to say. He said that discussions with the object of fixing the price of meat on the retail market in the Dominion were in progress. The release of the United Kingdom’s schedule of prices for ex- . port meat would no doubt quicken the decision as to local retail prices. He was of opinion that the British price schedule was very fair, and he also stressed the importance of the rise in price for second-quality ewes. - -■