MUTTON AND LAMB.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 15, 18 January 1930, Page 4

MUTTON AND LAMB.

PRICES AT HOME

Referring to the frozen meat markets in their review dated November 30, Messrs. Weddel and Co. reported as follows:— "The quantity of New Zealand mutton offering has not been in any way excessive, but it seems impossible to promote any business and only with difficulty nave last month's prices been maintained. There was a point in the month when sellers thought they could -mark'prices up, but it proved a failure; first grade New Zealand light wethers still remain at 6V£d to 6%d; medium weights, 6d to 6Ys; and heavies, 5%d to 6d.' New Zealand ewes have' had little better inquiry during the month and have firmed up approximately Ytd from the extreme low point. It is now possible to sell a few light weights at 4y 2 d, and medium weights at 4Y*d to 4%d. "Trade for New Zeaand lambs has been very quiet. Canterbury prime lambs under 361b remain at B%d; 36 to 421b, 7%d to 8d; over 421b, 7%d. Canterbury seconds have also been very quiet, but sellers have been able to maintain the level reached last month; business has' been done from 7d to 7%d, according to weight and condition. North Island selected prime lambs under 361b have been quoted all the month at with B's at 73id, while ordinary North Islands have been more or less nominal at, primes under 361b, 7%d; and 36 to 421b, lYzd.. There have not been very many bright North Island lambs about. OJd stored lambs have been making a good deal less money than the market quotation; the same thing applies to seconds. Bright light seconds still command 7V*d, but we hear of business as low as 6%d." The report adds that "New season's Australian- lambs have been difficult to sell," whilst "New season's River Plate spring lambs are,, now being pushed for sale in quantities rather in excess; of the requirements of this time of the year."