FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17631, 18 November 1920, Page 8

FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

PROSPECTS FOR SEASON.

SHIPPING SPACE AVAILABLE.

QUESTION OF FREIGHT BATES

The prospects for meat for export! during the season just about to commence are stated to be somewhat uncertain, though experts are optimistic regarding the position generally. It is said to be difficult to estimate the value of stock for export owing to the uncertainty of the position with regard to shipping and the continued Government control of prices in the United Kingdom. The latest information from the Overseas Shipowners' Committee is that advice has been received from the London Tonnage Committee that in the December group of steamers, after provision has been made for dairy produce, space can be allocated for private meat to the extent of 10 per cent, of the insulated space. In the January and February steamers, space for private meat on the same basis will be 20 per cent, and 40 per cent, respectively. Negotiations are still being conducted by the freezing companies with the object of making a contract for the carriage of frozen meat, but nothing has yet. been settled. _ When the rates of freight are settled it will be possible for the companies to make a fairly accurate estimate of meat values at this end. It ia anticipated that there will be a strong demand for lamb for the United States during tjie season. The British Government apparently intends to maintain control of prices in Britain till June next. The present maximum prices for meat are:-Whole wethers, 9d per lb.; whole ewes, 8d; cut wethers, 8d; cut ewes, 6d; lambs, Is Id; beef hinds, Is; beef fores, Bd. Sales of beef have recently been made as follows:—Ox hinds. lOid ; "ox fores, 7d ; cow hinds, 9d; cow fores, sjd.