HIGH MEAT PRICES

Southland Times, Issue 18817, 10 May 1920, Page 5

HIGH MEAT PRICES

OUTCRY IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

GRAZIERS FEAR HEAVY LOSSES THROUGH DROUGHT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) SYDNEY, May 9. (Received May 10, 1.15 a.m.) The press is echoing the outcry against the high prices of meat. Cattle are being rushed into the market owing to the drought over a large extent of the grazing areas, causing a glut of beef. Wholesalers are paying 3d to 6Jd for killed meat, which is being retailed at Sd to 2/-. At the present time the whole of the cold storage in New South Wales is crammed with beef, mutton and rabbits. It is estimated that the equivalent of 500,000 carcases are awaiting shipment, most of which has been frozen for over a year. AH stock coming forward now must be consumed hence, the outcry at the high prices with a glutted market. Graziers are fearful that besides their present losses the drought will endanger the lambing season and declare that unless soaking, drought-breaking rains, of which at present there are no indications, fall in the present month th elambing will be practically a total failure. The outlook at best is serious. A large reduction of flocks is certain.