TRICKS OF THE MEAT TRADE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9567, 13 August 1909, Page 3

TRICKS OF THE MEAT TRADE.

A resident of Richmond, Nelson, Mr VV. R. May, who has returned jrom a trip to England, Scotland-and France, and is at present in Christchurch, told a reporter that he spent some time in finding out the tricks of the meat trade. He found that after the shipments had betn cut up by syndicates and companies, New Zealand lamb was marked in the retail shops at from lOd to Is 3d j per lb, ranged on the hooks nut far form Argentine nrittm. which was marked down to 2d ptr lb. In few | instances did he find New Zealand | lamb or mutton sold as such. The ; retailers soid it as Home-grown Canj terbury lamb or mutton, the Can- ! terbury meant being the English Gani terhury. In one shop Mr May observed one or two carcases of New j Zealand mutton, the plumpness of j which made it unmistakable, but the tags had been removed, and that means of idenrjfjca Hon seemed lost. The shop assi.u*nt was assuring Mr May it was entirely Home-fed, etc., and the visitor was praising its fine quality, when he suddenly deteoted the remains of a ticket with the letters "Is!," the beginning of the word "Islington," and then he interviewed the owner of the shop and explained matters. A friend with whom he was staying in the country promised him a treat in the shape of a prime joint of New Zealand mutton, but encountered much difficulty in getting exactly what he wanted, a": any rate under the description given. Mr May holds the opinion that the Dominion growers of lamb and mutton should start retail shops for a time as the best remedy for bringing the New Zealand meet be ford the British public, "and," added Mr May, 'I think the High Commissioner is of the opinion that some energetic steps should be taken.