NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 148, 18 March 1919, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE

NO EXPLOITATION OF BRITAIN THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S STATEMENT The suggestion that New Zealand has exploited tho Mother Country in the sale of pioduco at increased prices during tho war was the subject of a statement- mado in London by Sir Thomas Mackenzie late in January. The High Commissioner quoted figures to show tlwt New Zealand was not responsible for the high prices charged to the British consumers. "I desire to correct' a false impression which prevails in some parts of tho Old Country in reference to produce received here from the Overseas Dominions and tho prices charged," said Sir Thomas Mackenzie. "It has been slated that the overseas dominions are exploiting the British public, especially in tho wise of meat. I wish to say that there is no iusfification whatever for such an impression or -statement. New Zealand has sold her wool, her butter, and her cheese to ihe home peoplo at reasonable prices, and so fur as tho prices for meat are concerned, I would meanlion that we have renewed the contract on terms which prevailed in 1910, and which ore as follow:— F.o.b Prices (per 1b.).-Multon, 4Jd. to 5Jd.; lamb, 6jcl. fo Old.; beef, 4}d. to sd. To these prices must be added freight and olho.- charges before lauding, say,

"Tbu present wholesale and retail prices rtrc:— "Wholesale—Mutton ami lamb, Is. 3d.; beef, Is. 3Jd. Eetail-Jluttou and beef, Is. to 3'.. according to cut—legs, Is. 9k1.; shoulder.-:. Is. 7d.; beef, Is. 2d. to 2s. Id., net online to cut—sirloin, Is. lOJil.; ribs, Is 10; i.; steak. 3s. Id. "The prices given above were quoted in order to assist the British Government to provide good., wholesome meat for the Army at a moderate cost, tho surplus to go to the British consuming pnh'ic at a reasonable price. "1 Rather from a statement made by Maior Aslor, in reply to Mr.-f'autley, ■that the prices paid for American meat ranged up to Is. id. per lb., but I'understand that American and all other meats are sold at one uniform price. It was ne.-f-r the intention of New Zealand to sell her splendid meat at a low price in orler that high prices might be paid to American packers."