THE EXPORT OF LAMB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18889, 11 December 1924, Page 11

THE EXPORT OF LAMB.

NEED FOR LIGHT WEIGHTS.

REQUIREMENTS OF BRITAIN.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company to-day, Sir George Clifford, chairman of directors, said the past season had been one of fluctuations in the English market, not entirely unconnected with speculative movements, but it had closed with prices at a high level. "If the present rates do not defeat themselves by the unwillingness or .'liability of consumers to feed their families at tho quoted cost, we shall indeed be fortunate in our realisations." he said, "combined as they are with the brisk demand which our wools are meeting. A word of warning may be given that tho Home demand for lamb now inclines to well finished light-weights. The natural effort of graziers this season to put extra weight on tends at present to defeat its aim. The lighter carcases bring a better price per lb., and what is still more important, meet the requirements of the British consumer.''

Sir George Clifford added that the necessity for farmers to keep their ewes had been stressed year'after year, and many farmers appreciated that. As to the general question of light and heavy lambs, if they outgrew the desired weight, farmers would have to send them in, but if tho farmers could get them ready at 361b., they would save tho feed, which surely could bo used to some profitable purpose, if only for store lambs.