COMMERCIAL.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11128, 21 January 1899, Page 1

COMMERCIAL.

Herald Office, Friday evening. Tbe Colonial Consignment and Distributing Company report on the frozen meat market for December as follows : — New Zealand Mutton.— l2o,los carcases have been received in the four weeks, bringing the total since January Ist to 1,600,400. Trade has not been good, bat the past fortnight has seen an improved demand anct a somewhat increased output, estimated deliveries to Smifchfield being heavier than of late and country consumption quite up to average. For gome sorts values are weaker than they were, and in place of 3}d per lb obtainable a month ago North Island mutton cannot be quoted higher than 3 l-16th d per lb, the attempt to make 3gd per lb the general price this week failing. Dnnedins and Southlands have sold this week at 3 3-16 th dup to 3}d per lb. Canterburys have rather hardened in value ; numbers of the more favored brands have sold at 3{&, and in a few instances 3 9-16 th d per lb has been obtained. Heavy, sheep, averaging 761 b, have sold from 3|d to 3id per lb, far too heavy for general use, bat suitable for Christmas display when " def rosted." New Zealand Lamb. — 1445 have come to hand, and have probably pretty well all gone into consumption, for demand, though very limited, has continued, and a number have been sold. Values, too, * have kept up well, and for any 'or fairly good quality and bright condition 5d to 5Jd per lb. has been obtained ; heavier, and those lacking bloom and freshness, have sold at f d to Id per lb less money.