THE EXORBITANT PRICE OF MEAT.

West Coast Times, Issue 662, 7 November 1867, Page 3

THE EXORBITANT PRICE OF MEAT.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE "WEST COAST TIMKB. Sir — Some time ago a public meeting took place at the City 'lheatre in reference to the high, price of meat, when it was threatened to start a Co-operative Society so as to obtain this indispensable article of food at sonT*thing like a reasonable price. A portion of the public, however held back, believing tbat tho threat would be sufficient to bring our butchers to reason,' as it had done some time before with the bakers. For a time it had the desired effect — but, alas ! for public credulity, our .confidence has been abused, we have been most shamefully gulled, and meat of every description is higher than ever it has been, and this in the face of large arrivals of cattle and sheep ovorland and importations from Australia. I believe the matter only wants re-agitating to endure the unanimous and most cordial support of the public to any scheme which may be propounded .to obtain meat at a price considerably below the on* now ruling, and destroying the '

monopoly, which though it may benefit a few, is doing much injury to Westland. I do not deem it necessary to quote prices, we all know them to our cost ; but I trust I have said sufficient to rouse the public, and should another meeting take place we may be more in earnest, we have shown to much forbearance already. Trusting the subject may be deemed by you of sufficient importance to give it insertion in your valuable paper. I am, &c, Pateefamilias. November 6, 1867.