MEAT WAR IN MANAWATU.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1921, Page 7

MEAT WAR IN MANAWATU.

BUTCHERS TAKE A HAND. Palmerston North, April 6. The auction sales of meat were continued yesterday afternoon, when about fifty carcases of heavy ewe mutton, weighing between 801 b and 901 b, were submitted on behalf of the grower. The meat, however, was too fat for ordinary requirements, and the quarters too heavy for domestic use. The careases had not been trimmed at the abattoir and were by no means appetising. There was a very large attendance, the working classes predominating, and the whole entry was disposed of. Hindquarters made from 5s to Bs, forequarters from 2s 3d to 2s 9d, legs 2s 6d to Bs, and loins 2s 3d to 4s, while sides brought from 9s to 9s 6d, with tongues at from Is to Is 6d per dozen. The sheep averaged out from 2|d to 2|d per lb, and it is doubtful if they would have returned Id per lb if sent to the works. This morning a local firm of butchers held a “cut” auction on their own premises, and thus made their first attempt at retaliation against those who are endeavoring to force them to bring down the prices, and it is understood that more of these sales are to follow. Most of the meat offered was in lots to suit families, and a thorough clearance was made. In order to induce bidding in many cases several pounds of sausages were given to purchasers of joints, while some of the ham buyers were presented with half a dozen eggs. Mutton brought from 4s to 5s for hindquarters, and from 2s 6d to 3s for forequarters, averaging about 2| per lb. Lamb sold at from 3d to 5d per )b. Roasts of beef made from 3d to 5d per lb., steak 3d to 5d per lb, corned beef 3d to 4Ad per lb, and ox tongues 2s each. Pork realised from 6d to 6| per lb, and hams lOd to lid per lb.