PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 84, Issue 13208, 25 June 1915, Page 6

PUBLIC OPINION

As expressed by correspondents, whose letters are welcome, but for whose views we have no responsibility. THE PRICE OF MEAT. To the Editor. Sir, —ln your issue of May 19th appeared a letter, signed "Worker," giving the prices charged for meat in Christchurch. A comparison between these prices and those charged by the Hamilton and Frankton butchers shows that local consumers are paying from 50 to 100 per cent., more. In reply to the aforesaid letter "Knight of the Cleaver" took up the cudgels on behalf of his side, but although indulging in a little bit of sarcasm, he never attempted to dispute the difference between the prices. In last Tuesday's issue of the Timaiu Post appears the following advertisement from the well-known firm of Messrs Grant and Seaton, and the prices given therein fully bear out what "Worker" said—that it is time the long suffering public took a firm stand, and refused to be exploited for the benefit of a few mercenary tradesmen. The advertisement reads: "Who was it that reduced the price of meat? Why Grant and Seaton. Who is it that is selling prime Canterbury meat at prices to enable every man, woman and child to enjoy a good meal? Why, Grant and Seaton. Our cash prices at the Bhop until further notice will be:—Prime steer bee?: Sirloins, first cut 6d, second cut sd; ribs, first cut sd, second cut 4d; corn, round, first cut 6d, second rut sd; rump, 8d; beef steak, sd; stewing steak, 4d; mince beef, 4d; corn beef, boned. 4£d- corn beef, with bone 2£d. Prime wether mutton: Sides, 3d* forequarters, 2d; hindquarters, 3£d; legs, 4Jd; loins, 3Jd, chops, 4d; shoulders, 3£d; neck and breasts 2d. Prime lamb: Hindquarters, 3s 6d; forequarters, 2s 9d. Best Cambridge seasoned sausages, prime quality, 41b for Is, or 4d per lb; sausage meat 51b lor Is." I hope "Knight of the Cleaver" will carefully peruse the above figures with those charged by the local butchers, and kindly explain to the public why the difference.—l am, etc., MEAT RING. Hamilton, June 24th, 1915. FARMERS' FREEZING COMPANY. To the Editor. Sir,—At the freezing meeting, held at Hamilton, on the 18th inst., Mr Ambury belittled the Waikato people in having suppied only a third of the cost of the Horotiu works. Will Mr Ambury, through your columns,explain what inducement the Auckland directorate offers to the individual farmer to take up more shares unless he individually receives a proportionate further amount of space. The shipping committee at Wellington refuse to allot shipping space to the various provinces except en the basis of their storage capacity. The Auckland directorate declare they will put up the extra storage capacity if the farmers will supply the money. Will the directors guarantee to the farmer, by adopting the allotment of space in proportion to shares held, that he 4* benefiting himself not other people by taking up more shares? If they will not, will ;they explain who will get the benefit, or spar l ?—l am, etc., H.M.