NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 March 1919, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE.

NO EXPLOITATION OF GREAT BRITAIN. THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S STATEMENT. The suggestion that New Zealand has exploited the Mother Country in the sale of produce at increased prices during the war, was the subject of a statement made in London by Sir Thos. Mackenzie late in January. The High Commissioner quoted figures to show that New Zealand was not responsible for the high prices charged to British consumers.

"I desire to correct a false impression which prevails in some parts of the Old Country in reference to produce received here from the Overseas Dominions, and the prices charged," said Sir Thomas Mackenzie. "It has been stated that the Overseas Dominions are exploiting the British public, especially in the case of meat. I wish to say that there is no justification whatever for such an impression or statement. New Zealand has sold her wool, her butter and her cheese to the Home people at reasonable prices, and so far as the prices charged for meat are concerned, I would mention that we have renewed the contract on the terms that prevailed in 1916, and which are as follows:

F.o.b. Brines (per lb.)—Mutton 4 5-Sd to 5 3-8 d; iamb C 1-Sd to 6'/.d; beef 4 l-4d to sd. To these prices must be added freight and other charges before landing, say, 3d. The present wholesale and retail prices are:Wholesale: Mutton and lamb Is 3d; beef Is 3 7-Bd. Retail: Mutton and beef, Is and 2s, according to cnts—legs Is 9£d, shoulders Is 7d, beef Is 2d to 2s 4d, according to cut—sirloin Is IOJd, ribs Is lOd, steak 2s 4d.

Thp prices given above* were quoted in order to assist the British Government to provide a good wholesome meat for the army at a moderate cost, the surplus to go to the British consuming public at a reasonable price. I gather from a statement made by Major Astor, in reply to Mr. Cautley, that the prices paid for American meat ranged up to Is Id per lb., but I understand that American and all other meats are sold at one uniform price. It was never the intention of New Zealand to sell her splendid meat at a low price in order that high prices might be paid to American packers."