MEAT MARKET

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 89, 12 October 1944, Page 5

MEAT MARKET

UNDISCLOSED PRICES

EXPLOITATION CLAIMED

An indication by the Government, at the earliest possible moment, of the price levels that would obtain for meat in the coming season was urged in the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon by the Hon.' W. Grounds (North Auckland) during the Imprest Supply Bill debate. He said that such a statement would check the speculative interests which had been exploiting the ordinary farmers at recent stock sales. . .. : • A statement had been made to the dairy industry on the prices to be paid for the next two years, said Mr. Grounds, and an increased price had also been paid for wool. It was understood that negotiations were proceeding between the Government and representatives of the meat industry as to the prices that were to be paid during the coming season, and he knew that representations had been made regarding the importance of a statement being made at the earliest possible moment. During the last two weeks sales of store stock had been held throughout the country,' and the prices paid had been far m excess of the price levels obtaining last season, when the levels were more or less determined by the prices it was known were going to be paid ultimately for the fattened, stock at the abattoirs. "UNDESIRABLE GAMBLING." No statement had been Made so far regarding meat, and there was a feeling that in some subterranean way dealers who had be^» in touch behind tiie scenes had been in a position to gauge what prices were to be paid knowledge that was not open to the ordinary farmer. As a consequence there had^ been a good deal of scope for undesirable gambling in the sale of store stock. The Leader^ of the Council (Mr. McLagan) said he fully agreed with M r V £ rou? ds that i 1; was desirable that the Government should do everything possible to prevent speculators taking unfair advantage of farmers in the sales that were being conducted, and that-the utmost possible informajtion should be given to the producer as soon as possible, so that he would have just as much knowledge as anyone else. He; would be pleased to take the matter up and see if an early statement could not be matte: