BEEF PRICES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 7, 4 October 1943, Page 6

BEEF PRICES

Effect Of Increase On Cost Of Living

Dominion Special Service. DUNEDIN, October 2.

The small, effect on the cost of living of an increase of Id. or 2d. per lib. in the price of beef w-as emphasized by Mr. A. G. Cameron at a meeting of the Otago provincial council of the Farmers’ Union. Mr. Cameron reported that the final meeting of the South Island Fat Stock Committee had been held recently in Christchurch, when the case for presentation to the Director of Stabilization was completed. This covered all phases of fattening and breeding costs, and showed the interrelationship between the various types of farming which contributed in the production of prime beef. The report emphasized the fact that anything which tended to discourage the breeding of cattle for fattening—the holding of calves to the weaner stage, the production of store cattle, the operations of the fattener, the growing of surplus turnips, etc., might have a disastrous effect upon the ultimate supply. Only 13 per cent, of the New Zealand beef supply was produced in the South Island, and 75 per cent, of the South Island supply was produced. iu Canter; bury. Otago, and Southland; About .46 per cent, of the stock sold by auction was purchased by graziers and fatte.ners, and represented stores or unfinished cattle, so that any attempt to do away with stock auction sales would have very serious repercussions. The difficult position of the 'butcher was'stressed, and .a case put ‘forward for greater- elasticity iu existing arrangements. The Director of Stabilization had indicated that he would be prepared to, meet the South Island Committee at an early date.