THE PRICE OF MEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 80, 28 August 1914, Page 2

THE PRICE OF MEAT.

BUTCHERS INTERVIEW THE PREMIER. By Telegraph,—Press Association. Wellington," dugust '2O. Representatives of the retail butchers waited on the Prime, ■ Minister this afternoon in reference to the increased price of meat which has recently 'been announced. Mr. W. 0. Hampton said that ■' the price of meat wholesalobad increased by 22% ,per cent, during the past few months, and the price for fat paid "by candle-makers had been reduced by 25 per 'cent. ' The cost of -running a butchery business had been increased -by 3Q. per. cc.nt, and therefore,, the price of .meat had. ; to bo raised. The Prime 'Minister, in 'reply, said that a f ortnigOit or so ago,' a number of large (inns in the meat trade cabled to their agents in the different Dominions, placing orders at almost any price. These were placed, and the stock purchased in some eases at extreme prices. Now prices had gone hack to normal. He was now setting up a board. of enquiry into the prices, of foodstuffs, and when it was set r up tlhc matter of the price, of meat would be'referred to it. If there was a ''.ring" or a "trust," it would for the Government to deal with it, "We know our duty, and. we are going to do it," be continued.