NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE IN LONDON.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8728, 26 February 1894, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE IN LONDON.

[FEOM OUB BPECIAL COBRESFONDBHI.] LONDON, January 12. The Agent-General has been making in- • quiries ia Germany as to the possibility of opening up a market there for New Zealand frozen meat. No definite result hai yet accrued, but he finds that there would undoubtedly be a good market' for New Zea« land meat in Germany if the meat could, be shipped direct from New Zealand to a Ger« man port,-but the Germans will not take it if sent via London and reshippod. The problem, therefore, is to arrange for such direot shipments, and as at present this does not seem very feasible, the mattet remains meanwhile in an indefinite position. Complimentary reference is made by the Standard to Messrs Weddel and Co.'s "excellent review" of the frozen meat trade in 1893, from which it makes copious quotations. ' But the Standard— l wonder 'why?--nover can resist the temptation to have a " dig " at New Zealand, however unfairly, and here is another instance. The standard says:—" A good deal of New Zealand butter has been sold at 66s to 80a por cwt., and the be3t at 90a to 104s; while prime Australian has realised 104s to 1125." This brings out the Government expert, Mr S. Lowe, in a conclusive refutation. Hβ says: "Asa matter of fact, about , 3s per cent, of the Now Zealand butter has this season sold for not, lees than over 112s, while another 20 per cent, has* realised between 100s and 112e. Probably another 20 per cent, baa fetched from 90s to 100 a, [Some New Zealand butter has realised oa much as 130 a, and one importer I know has not sold an ounce under 1205." Mr Lowe's answer may fairly be left to speak for itself. But what can be the Standard's motive or object in singling out one particular colony for such persistent unfairness of treatment ? Owing to the severity of the weather, the price of meat has gone up, and New Zealand mutton, being in short supply, hoe advanced id per lb for North Canterbury sheen. , I learn from Messrs Browne and Eagle that the largest London importers of wool during 1893 were Messrs Datgety and Cp M who imported 95,500 bales, the New Zealand Loan attd Mercantile Agency Company being a close second with 92,000 bales, and Sanderson, Murray and Co. a good third with 84,500. Cold weather has improved the dairy market, and very choice brands of butter , are worth 116s, Danish fetching 1245. Two " records" were made this week in regard to importations of dairy produce. The M&ssHia brought tha largest shipment of butter (24,300 cases} ever yet received from the colonies, and the Ruapehu the largest cargo of dairy, produce (11,855 cases of butter and 1228 of cheese) yet shipped from New Zealand. Idohopo that Mr Samuel Lowe's fruit report, which has been, forwarded by the Agent-General to the New Zealand Government will be widely circulated and carefully studied in New Zealand. Much of his information is on the same line* as that which I sent you some months ago, derived from leading authorities in the trade. Bat it ie weli that it should bo reiterated and earnestly impreaaed. If Now Zealand fruitgrowers wish to do any good in the London , market they must study ib and its requirements and fanoiea, and humour them—nob imagine that "fruit is fruit" and may be picked and Bent anyhow. That won't do. Uniform and excellent 'quality ia indispensable, or the fruit won't be looked at here. Ib does not do to mix up large and email apples, foe instance, or green with rod ones. All success in this very particular market turns upon the most rigid Attention; to minute details. ■