THE RISE IN THE PRICE OF MEAT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2560, 4 June 1881, Page 2

THE RISE IN THE PRICE OF MEAT.

[to the editor] g lß) —Knowing that all abuses affecting the people find vent in your columns, will you permit me to offer a few remarks on the above question. The understanding come to by the butchers to raise the price of meat is an act of injustice arising from the loose way their trade is done, and is

not caused by scarcity or the law of supply and demand, which gives the standard value to all things. This country abounds with supply in excess of demand, and the actual cost of the meat is little more than the hide, horn, bone, and fat. The profits on the butcher’s trade are immense far greater than any other, and there is no just grounds for their action. The real cause comes from the loose way they give credit, and, in consequence, make many bad debts, and it is to cover these losses they have united to make those who do pay pay for those who do not. This is not the first time they have raised their prices, and if the people tamely endure it will not be the last. Unity justly directed is wise, but unity tending to monopoly of food is a crime both to God and man, and the people will do well not to submit to it. They need not, because they have the remedy in their own hands, and if they are wise they will lose no time in practically teaching the butchers that the days of monopoly are at an end. A co operative butchery is now a necessity, and would save ns one half the price we now pay. The success that would attend this undertaking would speedily lead to other trades following, and the sooner the better; it will quicken a more moral tone in our colonial trade and commerce which has so long been needed. Now that the country is undergoing a new birth and great changes—increased taxation, short work and low wages, it is not the time to unnecessarily rise the price of food, and any effort to check such an injustice will reflect both wisdom and profit to the people.—l am, &c., G. KIMBER.