THE PRICE OF MEAT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2147, 24 March 1908, Page 2

THE PRICE OF MEAT.

IS IT EXORBITANT?

A correspondent, writing in last Saturday’s issue of the “Times,” drew attention to the price of meat as retailed in Gisborne, as against the prices ruling for stock in the local markets. A reporter yesterday made inquiries from a number of butchers and consumers with a view to finding out tho actual position. The consumers state that the prices asked for meat now are the same as fixed some months ago, the price of stock lias decreased since then; but the butchers have made no concession to householders. Beef, to quote the highest rates ruling, costs from 17s to 29s per hundred, and the retail prices average about od per lb, giving the butchers 42s per lOOlbs, a profit- of over 100 per cent out of which to pay working expenses. When beef was bringing 2(Js to 25s per 100 lb, the price was no higher, and consumers consider they are entitled to the benefits of the lower market. The prices are fixed by the trade, and there is absolutly no competition, and the Butchers’ Association, instead of working for the benefit of their customers, is looked upon as a trust to 'keep up the price of their goods. Weekly payments are insisted upon; but householders have no complaint against this, though some stated that it the accounts are not- paid promptly their supplies are stopped and others in the trade warned against sunplying them. Under this -system they naturally expect the benefits usual in cash trading, either in the way of discount or reasonable prices. Both are denied,and there is no benefit in changing butchers, as the prices are the same everywhere. The man with a family has to put- up with the condition of things, there being no redress.

The butchers, on the other hand, state that there is very little profitin the trade, and a cash system is the only way of ensuring success in business. They admit that stock is lower now than a few months ago, but- that prices are not- raised in accord with a rise in tile market, - and consumers get the benefit at one time as against what might be thought to bo overcharging at another time. The apparent profit of 100 per cent leaves little over by the tithe they.pay abattoir charges, wages, high rent, keep their shops clean, and allow for the large quantity of waste. As against the price of beef at from 4d to 7d per lb, there are such parts as the skins, neck, and flanks that do not- average 2d per lb. Fair wages are paid in the trade, the average being about £2 5s per week with free meat, and considering all things they assert the customers are not asked to pay more in Gisborne than anywhere else in New Zealand.