The Daily News. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1914. SHORTAGE OF MEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 42, 10 July 1914, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1914. SHORTAGE OF MEAT.

Much has been written scad said about the world-wide shortage of meat, and there were many who refused, and still refuse, to regard the matter otherwise than as a trick of the trade, the in view being enhancement of prices. The alarmists, however, were justified in sounding a strident note of warning, and people in general will probably soon realise that the day of dearer meat has arrived. As a matter of fact, the increase of the meat-eating population throughout the world has been met with a decrease of the meat supply, and as a consequence the demand has outgrown the supply. He-re in New Zealand, the people are apt to consider that there is not the slightest likelihood of a dearth of beef and mutton being experienced considering the vast amount that is exported, but if the Christchurch market is any criterion, and there is no doubt it is; then the outlook is serious. The agricultural editor of the Christchurch Sun has been devoting considerable attention to tilie aspect of affairs connected with the meat trade, and lie has contributed to that paper a moat interesting article on the subject that certainly deserves attention. He touches upon almost every factor that is likely to affect the meat market, and express's the opinion that the world-wide meat shortage is making itself felt in Canterbury. What affects Canterbury in this respect will assuredly affect other parts of the Dominion, for the same causes are operating in every district. On account of tfhe good prices at Home, exporters arc still doing business though the season is so far advanced. It is significant that this year the exporters have not confined their operations to the prime i meat, but have handled even third quality sheep, owing to the strong Home demand for cheap mutton, wtoere as m i the past that class of meat has been utilised in the tinned meat trade. The turnip shortage in the south has caused graziers to risk their sheep on the market instead of holding for winter consumption, so that wthen August is reached there will only be a very limited supply available, and that of an inferior quality. It would seem, therefore, that if the present prices are taken as a guide it is almost certain that the retail prk-j of mutton will range higher before the spring relieves the situation. Ona ChristchurcJi butcher states that, if the present price of stock continues, meat must go up by leaps and bounds, while another considers that the position is becoming intolerable, and that part o v the rise in the market will have to be passed on to the consumer. One of the factors that have contributed to this shortage is the export of ewe lambs, of which there have been heavy shipments for the past two seasons. Another contributory cause is the operations of tue Meat Trust. There arc good grounds for the rumor that agents for the big American companies have been 'buying largely in New Zealand, and strength is given to this by the fact that two Christchurch firms are said to have purchased thousands and thousands of sheep and lambs, indicating that they are not working without an assured market. It must also be borne in mini! that tiherc is a tremendous decrease in meat production throughout the world. With regard to beef, the freezing companies in the North Island have practically skimmed the markets of all the available beef for export, and it is ouiy stray lots that iind their way south. It is contended that flhe dairying industry is pushing the beef grower further back, and that the- slaughtering of calves a few years back is now being felt. Then, again, it must be remembered that the dual purpose cow has largely given place in the North Island to the butter-fat producer, and that is also a factor in the question of im ;it supply. All things considered, the outlook for the public is not promising of anything, except the certainty that tliey must pay higher prices for meat supplies. If the fame position occurred in some parts of the L'nited (States it would he met by a boycott of meat until the price was reduced. There is far too much meat eaten—and wasted—in Now Zealand. Possibly the enhanced prices will bring about a compulsory reform ui this respect, but, if not, it is evident that meat caters will have to pay a lea# iiiice for their food.