NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE AT HOME.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 153, 27 December 1898, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE AT HOME.

♦ Mr. H. C. Cameron, Government Inspector of New Zealand produce in London, in . a report which he forwarded to the Agent-General on the 18th November says there is a large demand for what is called "shilling" butter, consumers not caring to give more than that price ; so that when prices go higher margarine mixtures are resorted to, and the demand for high-priced butter gradually falls off. In cheese the tone of the marfeet at present points to better prices than was anticipated a short time back. Mr. Cameron anticipates an increased distribution for New Zealand cheese during the coming season. Mr. Cameron states that at the opening of the 1898 lamb season better conditions prevailed than at the beginning of the 1897 season. When the first shipments arrived, there were no old stocks on hand, while Australian arrivals were light and inferior. The result was that prices opened as high as 6|d and 7d, and, though shipments were irregular, good prices were made till the middle of March, when a rapid decline occurred, and 4^d per lb wus, the best price obtainable for prime Canterbury. A spell of cold weather happening at a time when heavy shipments w.^e being landed evidently caused one or two holders • uneasiness and they cut down ' prices to effect sales. The majority of agents' recognised this as unnecessary and an endeavour was made to act unite "fly and fix prices which would be fair all round. On the 22nd March a meeting of importers and consignees decided to hold out for 4|d per lb. This was successful, and the advanced price was "paid by retailers without affecting sales.' In the following week another meeting was held, at which it was resolved that a further advance of -^d per lb should be made,- but instead a few salesmen, thinking to reap ad' vantage, lowered the price per lb, and other holders had again to come down to the same level. After this there seemed to be no inclination amongst the agents to combine, as there was a want of confidence in each other expressed, and a slump set in, during which everyone seemed anxious to clear at any price. Recognising the seriousness of the outlook, the AgentGeneral devised the idea of having circulars printed, got up in attractive style, emphasising the merits of New Zealand lamb. These were widely distributed, and found acceptance with the . trade, and though tKe ■ number issued was not sufficiently large to warrant any considerable amount of credit being claimed for the in-

crease of distribution which took place, yet it must be acknowledged that they helped considerably in promoting this satisfactory condition. In proof of this letters from prominent firms are quoted showing the immediate advantage which had accrued to their trade by reason of the cards and circulars sent out. The result of this novel mode of advertising has been permanently beneficial, as those retailers who last year introduced New Zealand lamb will have to do so again in future seasons. Mr. Cameron does not anticipate that any large number of lambs will be hejd over in store for the opening of next season. The outlook for next season is most encouraging. There is a largely increased demand that will have to be supplied, and if the increase in the numbers sent forward is not great, better prices will be realised than during the past two seasons. Mr. Cameron, in conclusion, expresses regret that there is no prospect of shippers in New Zealand combining to concentrate sales of their meat at the London end.