A GENTLEMAN by the name of Tom Smith from Wiseleigh in East Gippsland was kind enough share an important part of Australian meat and livestock history.
The old book (pictured above) is the ledger of a butcher shop listing account customers dating in the period 1909-1913.
Listed in it are the customers' names and the type and quantity of meat they purchased.
Because of the age of the book, all items were quantified in pounds and ounces and prices were given in pounds, shillings and pence.
I had intended by the time of writing this article to discuss the prices in "today's language" and give a comparison of what farmers should be being paid today.
However, having been very busy of late, I haven't come up with a formula as yet.
If anyone has or can come up with a correct formula for a successful conversation, I would be very grateful.
I am sure the end result would indicate a much better outcome than what we are putting up with today.
By the way, the reason Mr Smith has this ledger is that he is nearly as old as the book.
He is a sprightly 90 years young and keeps this book in prime condition as he says it will one day reveal some useful comparisons.
Peter Kostos
Prime stock analyst analyst for Stock & Land.
Prime stock analyst analyst for Stock & Land.
