THE MEAT WAR IN THE MANAWATU

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 164, 7 April 1921, Page 3

THE MEAT WAR IN THE MANAWATU

BUTCHERS TAKE A HAND.

(From Our Own Corresnondeni i) Palmerston North, April 6.

The auction sales of meat were continued yesterday afternoon, when about fifty carcasses of heavy ewe mutton, weighing between 801 b. and 901 b., were submitted on behalf of the grower. Tho meat, however, "was too fat for ordinary leqqirements, and) the quarters too heavy for domestic use. The carcasses had not been trimmed at the abattoir and were by no means appetising. There was a very’large attendance, the working classes'predominating and the whole entry was disposed of. Hindquarters, made from ss. to Bs., forequarters from 2s. 3d. to 2s. 9d., legs 2e. 6d to 45., and loins 2s. 3d. to 45., while sides brought from 9s. to. 9s. 6d., with tongues at from Is. to Is. 6d. per dozen. The sheep averaged out from 2-jd. to 2.d. per lb., and it is doubtful if they would have returned a penny per pound if sent to the works. ’This morning a local firm of butchers held a "cut”' auction on their own premises, and thus made their first attempt at retaliation against those who are endeavouring to force them to bring down the prices, and it is understood that more of these sales aro to follow. Most of thp meat offered was in lots to suit families, and a thorough clearance was made. In order to induce bidding in many cases several pounds of sausages were given to purchassrs of joints, while some of the ham buyers were presented with half a dozen eggs. Mutton brought from 4s. to ss. for hindquarters, and from 2s. 6d. to ss. for forequarters, averaging about 2|d. per lb. Lamb sold nt froip 3d. to sd. per lb. Roasts of beef made from 3d to sd. per lb„ steak 3d. to sd. per lb., corn beef 3d. to 4}<L per lb., and ox tongues 2s. each. Pork realised from 6d to 6Jd. per lb., and hams IM. to lid. per lb. Further auctions will be held to-morrow.