THE CHRISTMAS LAMB.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16431, 24 December 1913, Page 6

THE CHRISTMAS LAMB.

[Feou Oxtr Corbespojtdent.] DUNEDIN, December 23. Christmas lamb promises to bo unusually reasonable in price in Dunedin tbis year. The big yarding at Burnside to-day, consignments coming from as far as Oaniaru and Edendale, led to a decided fall in prices. The rates compared with last week's values were back 2s per head. For. a while it looked as if there was going to bo an even bigger slump. Some of those who had bought privately in anticipation of a short market were offering part of •their purchases for resale, and in some cases resales were affected at a loss of about 3s to 4s per head. Best lambs brought 16s to 18s, extra to 21s 9d; medium 13s 6d to 15s 6d; light and unfinished lis to 12s. Butchers say that the Christmas trade is nothing like what it used to be eight or ten years ago, as a big number of people have developed the habit of going out of town to their country residences and camps for the holidays. This year there is an additional factor to be considered in the effects of the strike. Many of the workers have not got much money to spend on the Christmas table, nor have other men who have been indirectly affected by the strike, and, although lamb will be selling from 4s 6d to 7s per quarter, it is scarcely to be expected that business will be very brisk.