MEAT FOR CHRISTMAS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22917, 21 December 1937, Page 12

MEAT FOR CHRISTMAS

MOST LINES DEABER LAMB AN EXCEPTION PURCHASES AT WESTFIELD Beef, mutton and pork are dearer for the Christmas trade this year than they were a year ago. W hen butchers bought meat supplies at the Westfield fat stock sales yesterday they paid up to 40s per 1001b. for beef, which was 8s more than last year. Wethers were Is S)d a head in advance of prices a year ago, ewes showed similar values, and pigs were as much as 12s a head dearer. Lamb is the meat in strongest demand at this season, and it revealed a lower margin in value by about 3s a head. In an entry of about 4000, compared with 5000 at the corresponding sale last year, only a small line realised to 30s, the general clearance being made at prices to about 28s. Prices a year ago ranged to 30s 9d a head. While values for veal advanced in comparison with recent rates, they remained somewhat below those operating at the previous Christmas sale. Runners were generally 10s a head under last year's prices, but the decrease was less marked in the case of vealers, which were at most os a head cheaper. All round, supplies ot stock were smaller than those available at the last Christmas market. However, butchers have reserve supplies that will serve to counter any shortage of meat during the holiday period. There will be no further fat stock sale at Westfield until January 5.