FEWER LAMBS KILLED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23050, 30 May 1938, Page 5

FEWER LAMBS KILLED

DECLINE IN SEASON LARGE SOUTHLAND OUTPUT LOWER EXPORT OF PORK A falling off in tlio killing of lambs and a decline in .shipments of pork are features of the latest returns issued by the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board for the season from October 1 to May 15. After recovering from a setback in the early months the outlook l'or lambs became more promising but the latter part of the season has been most disappointing owing to a variety of reasons. For the seven and a-half months of the season which have elapsed the Dominion killings are 4139 carcases lower at 8,324,886. Killings in the North Island at 4,304,438 are 280,730 carcases lower than at the saino date last season. South Island killings have risen by about 280,000 carcases to 4,020,448, mainly because of exceptionally heavy killings in Southland, which experienced an unusually dry season. In other districts unfavourable weather for fattening and sickness have been upsetting factors. Exports from October 1, 1937, to May 15, compare as follows, with those of the same period last season:—

Stocks of lamb, mutton and frozen beef in store are each lower than last season's quantity at May 15, but all other quantities are higher, quite substantially so in the case of porkers and baconers. Fairly large shipments of mutton, lamb, and pork were also loaded into ships which had not departed from New Zealand on May l£f.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE LIFELESS MARKET TRADE IN CANTERBURY [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCIIUIICH, Saturday Never within the memory of the oldest operator in the grain and produce markets has trade been as nearly at a complete standstill as it is at present.

In no section is there any life, with the exception that seed wheat is being freely delivered to the country, and even potatoes, which are usually highly active at this time of year, are dead. Fair quantities of potatoes were bought for May earlier in the season and those for which no instructions have been received will be forwarded within tho next few days. This supply, in addition to that from Pukekohe, and the Rangitikei, shoidd keep the Auckland market quiet. New business here is confined to the filling of actual orders, which are very rare. Tlio price remains nominally £3 ;m trucks, but little or no business has been done even at this figure. Seed wheat continues to go to the country in heavy quantity. The weather has been excellent for sowing and the wheat has gone into the ground under almost ideal conditions. If the weather holds reasonably well for another fortnight even the heaviest land will be sown.

Odd orders are received for best quality chaff, which remains firm at £4 10s on truck. Oats are not mentioned. Tho seed trade is exceedingly dull. A few lines of red clover are still reaching the market and are worth up to 7d. White is scarce and there is a fair demand with up to Is obtainable. Onions are very firm and are worth £8 on trucks in the country. Supply is limited, but*fair quantities are finding their way to the auction markets, •where good values are obtainable.

MAIZE SURPLUS SATISFACTORY DISPOSAL PICKING OF GISBORNE CROPS [by telegraph —OWN correspondent] GISBORNE, Saturday The maize marketing arrangements made between Gisborno growers and merchants and the Internal Marketing Department recently appear to have been working very satisfactorily to all parties, according to statements made to-day by one of the merchants' lepresentatives. It was stated that since tho growers had been guaranteed a minimum price of 5s 3d a bushel f.o.b. Gisborne there had been a steady inquiry. No spectacular features had been associated with the market, but the demand had been consistent, and the fears held before tho prico guarantee that there might bo a big carry-over when the new season's crop came on to tho market should provo groundless. Regular shipments have been made from Gisborne to Auckland and Wellington, tho capital city having come into tho market recently after a long period. The demand from Wellington has assisted materially in clearing old stocks.

In their buying merchants appear to be meeting their requirements with weekly quantities, being content with that process rather than laying in big supplies as was frequently the practice in tho past The picking of tho new season's maize is well under way, and bv the middle of June most of it should bo in the crib. Most of it is picking well, although in a few cases it is shbwing traces of tho abnormal autumn weather. Tho crops generally, however, stood up verv well, and some bright samples should be available in July and August. A few of tho earliest crops are expected to bo ready in July, if favourable weather is experienced. WHOLESALE EGG PRICES The Auckland Egg Marketing Committee announces that wholesale egg prices are unchanged, as follows:—Hen: First grade, 2s BJd a dozen; B grade,' 2s 5Jd; C grade, Is 9id. Duck: First grade, 2s 6.} d a dozen; B grade, 2s 4Jd; C grade, 2s o}d. Country storekeepers' minimum buying prices for first grade egga are:—Hen, 2s IJd a dozen; duck, 2s. WHEAT AT LIVERPOOL (Received May 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 28 Wheat. —Liverpool futures: May, 5s lid a cental; July, 5s 10jd; October, 5b 7Jd.

Chilled beef (quarters) 10:17-38 1030-37 130,483 125,763 Frozen beef (quarters) 77,(502 70,280 Mutton (carcases) 083,137 030,018 Lainb (carcases) 5,174,524 5,200,058 Pork (carcases) 303,837 425,620 Boneless beef (bags). . 101,232 117.655 Killings of stock for the season to May 15 compare as follows: — Chilled beef (quarters) 1037-38 1036-37 145,548 123,140 Frozen beef (quarters) 03,103 107,744 Wethers (carcases) .. 878,083 800,458 Ewes (carcases) 1,022,593 700,550 Lambs (carcases) 8,324,880 8,320,040 Porkers (carcases) 307,207 367,072 Baconers (carcases) 220,128 233,008 Boneless beef (frt. c/s.) 407,517 317.049 Boneless bobby veal (carcases) 75,087 72,302 Sundries (carcases) 261,133 230.752