COMMERCIAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVIII, Issue 11462, 28 December 1897, Page 5

COMMERCIAL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright. Received Dec. 27, 11. EO a.rn, LONDON, Dec. 26. Mutton —Cross-bred wethers and maiden ewes, Canterbury 3gd, Dunedin and Southland 2r|d, North Island 2|d, Lamb—Not quoted. Eiver Plate cross-breds or merino wethers, heavy and light, 2|d, Deceived Deo. 28,12.25 a.m. Weddel’s annual review of the meat trade states that the chief causes of the unfortunate position of frozen meat are over-supply and defective condition. On the whole, however, the quality of mutton and lamb is better than that of 1896. Imports have increased 10 per cent. Over 45 per cent of Australian cargoes were damaged, compared with 6 per cent from the Argentine. ■ It is estimated that the Australian loss through damage is Id per stone on 750,000 sheep above insurance and recoverable. The review suggests that drastic alterations should be made in the preparation of meat and transport, including careful survey at the port of shipment and the institution of differential rates of freight, according to ships possessing a record as meat carriers. The review concludes by declaring prospects to be fairly hopeful. The Colonial Consignment Company also issued a circular dealing with the year’s trade, in which it is stated that the bane of the trade has been damage by off-colour of carcases. If frozen meat was shipped immediately after being slaughtered and promptly disposed of here, it would go far to revive prosperity in the trade.

SHIPPING. LONDON, Deo. 25. Sailed—Aotea, for Lyttelton.