MEAT MAY RISE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 264, 4 August 1919, Page 10

MEAT MAY RISE

■■■... POSITION'IN AUCKLAND. Tho very high prices! that nre beingobtained tor beet at tho stock sales has (says tho Auckland "Star") raised the iiuestion whether or no the retail prices tor this meat should be advanced, and ps;a matter of fact an application has already been mode to tho Board of Tradeto allow .the prices to bo increased. The board",has already fixed-'these retail charges, and increases may not be mads without its permission after due inquiry lias been made into all the circumstances. '.Th,e. railway cut is one of the most potent causes of these very high., prices that-rulo-now, for great'difficulty is being experienced in tho transportation of hooves, and the supply has gone far helow the demand. , That makes the prices high. The butchers have notified the board that they cannot continue selling at the present retail prices, but nothing can he done in the way of increasing tho cost' to..tho consumer until the hoard" has inquired into the matter, and made its verdiot. In the meantinio serious consideration is being given by the meat retailers, of Auckland to the advisability of felling frozen products, which they: hold can be done at the present retail 'price, whereas tho high rates that rule at the ■stock sales make their transactions carry toss. '''-'.' "Several firms are willing to sell frozen meat at.the current retail prices, but as yet they have not decided definitely to, do so, and at all events tho proposition must be decided by tho demand for the flesh from the refrigerators. In tho opinion of several responsible persons en- _ tftged in wholesale and retail distribu-' tion of meat, there is at lensb a possibility that the offer of frozen meat for retail here ,wjll be a. way out of tho difficulty. Foi-\if the'> Board of Trade authorises tho increase for fresh flesh, tho cohsumor will be hit, and if the board dees not grant the application, it will be the retailer who has to 6h6ulder an increased burden.