CHEAP MEAT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2334, 25 June 1887, Page 2

CHEAP MEAT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.—The following extract from the Leisure Hour, 18S6, will show that the butchers of the present day are not much of an improvement on those of over 100 years King George 111. and the Meat SupFLIKD TO THE ROYAL TABI.E AND HOUSEHOLD. The king was one day looking over the bills of his household, wishing to ascertain the price at which he sold his sheep, and the price charged by his butcher. Ho found that he was paying elevenpence, and, for the best joints, a shilling a pound, while his finest sheep yielded him on the average less than half that price, The sheep from the royal farm were sent to the open market, and were sometimes sold to the very butcher who supplied his table, although the source of the supply was not known. Seeing the great difference in the price, " .Farmer George " resolved to make sure of the bucher's conduct before taking any steps. Sending for him he told him of a very fine pen of speep, which he understood were to be sold at SmithfieM, giving the name of the salesman, and adding that he had a particular desire to taste the mutton. The butcher said, that His Majesty's command should be complied with. He went to the salesman and bought some of the sheep with the mark which had been described by the King. The mutton was sent to the Royal table, and on asking the price at which it had been charged, he ascertained it was a shilling a pound. The butcher was again sent for and asked what price he gave for the sheep. He said that, for their superior quality, they were the dearest in the market, and he had given two pence a stone more than for the other sheep he had bought, His Majesty knew this was a falsehood, for he had procured his salesman's bill from his agent, and knew the exact price given by the butcher. The King said he did not see how the farmer could pay his rent at the price at which produce was then selling. "True, yeur Majesty," said the butcher, "the farmers are a set of rogues; they wish nobody to live but themselves. ' "And you butchers," replied the King, " are determined that nobody shall live but yourselves ; the sheep you purchased were mine, and you gave only fivepence per pound, and you have charged me twelvepence. lam a rich farmer, but there are many that can hardly pay their way ; and it is the duty of the rich to protect the poor. I will order your bill to be paid, but I will not again allow you to supply my household." Perhaps the above may be a strong hint to the New Zealand Knights of the Cleaver.—Yours truly, WAIPA Grazikr.