TRICKS OF THE MEAT TRADE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 185, 26 August 1909, Page 5

TRICKS OF THE MEAT TRADE.

♦ Mr W. H. May, a resident of Richmond Nelson, who has returned from a tour of England, Scotland, and France, and is at present in Christchurch. told a reporter that he spent some time in finding out the tricks of the meat trade. He found that after the shipments had been cut up by syndicates and companies. New Zealand lamb was marked in the retail shops at from iOd to Is 3d per lb, ranged on the hooks not far from Argentine mutton. which was marked down to 2d per lb. In few instances did he find New Zealand lamb or mutton sold as such. The retailers sold it as Homegrown Canterbury lamb or mutton, the Canterbury meant being the English Canterbury. In shop Mr May observed one or two carcases of New Zealand mutton, the plumpness of which made it unmistakeale. but the tags had been removed, and that means of indentification seemed lost. The shop assistant was assuring Mr May it was entirely Home-fed, etc, and the vistior was praising its fine quality, when he suddenly detected the remains of a ticket with the letters "-Ist," the beginning of the word " Islington," and then he interviewed the owner of the shop and explained matters. A friend with whom he wa-t staying in the country promised him a treat in the shape of a prime joint of New Zealand mutton, but experienced much difficulty in getting exactly what he wanted, at any rate under the description given. Mr May holds the opinion that the Dominion growers of lamb and mutton should start retail shops for a time as the best remedy for bringing the New Zealand meat before the British buplic, "and" added Mr May, "1 think the High Commissioner is of the opinion that some energetic steps should be taken."