BUTCHERS’ SHOPS CLOSE ON WEST COAST

Grey River Argus, 2 October 1948, Page 2

BUTCHERS’ SHOPS CLOSE ON WEST COAST

No New Developing in Matter of Prices

Although a formal reply stating that the matter of wholesale and retail "prices was receiving consideration was communicated to the West Coast Master Butchers’ Association by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer, yesterday, there have been no new developments as to the decision of the butchers to close their premises as from last night.

At present, therefore, householders will have to rely for meat upon shops which receive supplies of bacon, ham, luncheon sausage, saveloys and qther small goods from Christchurch. Practically all grocers get regular stocks, and, although it is stated that they have not increased their quotas—probably anticipating like the public that the butchers would not close —it is understood that additional supplies are available, if required. Unless there are unexpected developments during the week-end, which is considered unlikely, those housewives. who have not taken in large supplies of meat during the past few days, w’ill have to transfer their business to the grocers and small goods shops on Monday. HEAVY SELLING DAY

Irrespective of the price they had to pay for their meat, householders shopped heavily yesterday in anticipation of Monday’s closing, and few butchers had any stocks left early in the afternoon. Some, however, stocked more meat than the public demanded, and, with no business being transacted on Monday, at least some quantity of meat must find its way to a place other than a dining table. Normally, there is heavy buying on a- Friday, but yesterday’s sales in most shops must have been more akin to sales prior to a long weekend, or at such times as Christmas and Easter. SHIPPING CONTRACTS

One of the most interesting aspects of the “strike”, in which the butchers declare that they will supply only hospitals, is the position of supplies to shipping. Apart from the needs of the men in the ships while in port—there are about 130 men in the four ships now bar-bound—it is necessary for stocks of fresh meat to be taken aboard, sufficient to supply the crew en route to their destination.

It was stated by shipping officials yesterday that butchers were under contract to supply meat for certain periods to each ship, and, it was added by one official, "There’ll be something doing if they break the contract!”

Information given was that considerable stocks of meat had been ordered for the ships in port, but the position in regard to the ships which have been prevented from entering Greymouth on account of bar conditions during the past week, was less sure. Unless the contracts are observed, the hold-up of ships is considered possible. Ships in the roadstead during the past week will require supplies immediately on arrival, and it will be interesting to see if their needs are met. NO FURTHER ACTION

The Mayor, Mr F. F. Boustridge, stated yesterday that no new developments had been notified to him, since he had received information from Mr J. B. Kent, M.P. that the Price Tribunal was giving consideration to the question of prices. Consequently, the Mayor stated, he could not take the matter any further in the meantime.

Although mines’ union officials have so far made no comment on the butchers’ action, the continuance of the "strike” may have some effect on the working ability of the miners, and others engaged in heavy occupations. Whether these will lead to any counter action, is however, another matter. At present there is no indication of any action being taken by any of the unions. Whether Greymouth is to face a meatless period for some time, or whether those butchers in opposition to the “strike” will oppose other butchers who are in favour, by reopening their shops next week, without awaiting the decision of the Price Tribunal, is a question exercising the minds of most people at present. MEETING ON MONDAY AFTERNOON

“Nothing new has transpired in connection with the West Coast butchers’ close-down, and all shops will remain closed until further notice,” said Mr J. S. Trowbridge (President of the West Coast Master Butchers last evening. “A meeting of the Committee appointed to handle the matter will be held in Greymouth on Monday next at 2 p.m., by which time it is hoped that the authorities will have done something to enable the Master Butchers to re-open and carry on. We regret that no other course has been left, to us. It is the consequence of the high prices ruling for live-stock, which mean a dead loss to us on every carcase sold.”