THE MEAT TRADE.

Northern Advocate, 24 July 1923, Page 4

THE MEAT TRADE.

New Zealand has reached the end of another frozen meat trade season, and the results may be regarded as reasonably encouraging. The past season was not altogether favourable, for the fine spring was followed by a disappointing summer, which delayed the fattening of sheep and lambs, and prevented the freezing companies keeping up the output. In the first five months of this j J ear the Dominion exported far smaller quantities of mutton and lamb than it did in the corresponding period of 1022, though there was an increase in the output of beef this year. The shipments of mutton declined from 1,895,670 to 912,652 carcases, and those of lamb from 3,017,488 to 2,947,600 carcases, while the proportion of second grade lamb was larger this year. Shipments of beef increased from 74,087 to 201,102 carcases. At the opening of the season, London prices were 011 *a high level and correspondingly high prices were paid in Xew Zealand for

mutton and lamb. The high prices checked consumption, chilled beef with its cheapness attracting consumers. Many freezing companies must have lost heavily as the result. The London market, is now showing some signs of improvement, and it is possible that stocks held in the Dominion may eventually realise rather better prices. . Reports from all parts of Xew Zealand indicate fair prospects 'for the coming season. Stock so far have come through the winter well in spite of the excessive rain, and flocks show a fair increase. It is suggested that the difficulty which the meat industry has to face is an excess of freezing plants; there is not sufficient stock in the country to keep the works operating at their full capacity, and therefore the overhead cost of the freezing industry is greater than it. should be. The profits of freezing companies are derived ciiiellv from by-products, and as these represent low values large quantities of them must be dea.lt with. The position will right itself when the flocks of the Dominion are brought up to their normal strength. In 1918 there Avere 26,054,594 sheep mi "New Zealand, and there was a steady decrease in the 'lumbers until in 1922 tiie number stood at 22,222,259. This year,' according tn the last census, the number is 22.928,804;' an increase of 706,605. If this movement is maintained the positicn of the, meat trade will be steadily improved.

The doors of the Whangarei T:>wn Hall will be open at 7..°.0 to-night and the Waiata Society's concert will begin at. 8 c\rlo?k. A flrst-clas* programme.*