SHIPMENTS OF MEAT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 5

SHIPMENTS OF MEAT

SEVERAL REDUCTIONS INCREASE IN MUTTON BETTER LAMB KILLINGS Only two of .Now Zealand's exportable meat lines showed increases in quantities shipped during the first three and a-half months of the current season, compared with the similar period for 1937-38. These were mutton and boneless beef. Substantial declines were recorded by chilled beef, frozen beef, lamb and pork exports. Chilled beef shipments totalled 47,688 quarters, as against 48,294 last season. This lino began the season by falling below last season's figures, but by the end of the first three months had not only recovered ground lost but had also exceeded the 1937-38 total. However, shipments for the first fortnight in January amounted to only 11,643 quarters, compared with 14,723 quarters for the corresponding period last January. Frozen beef exports fell from 41,809 quarters in the first three and a-half months last season to 35,396 quarters, while shipments for the first fortnight in January declined from 4715 quarters to 2412. Although mutton shipments for the period January 1 to 15 fell from 49,277 carcases to 13,086, the exports for the season so far are well ahead at 446,832 carcases, against 307,384 last season. Lamb has declined from 1,316,769 carcases to 930,268, the January shipments also being lower at 228.507 carcases, compared with 471,452 last season. Exports of pork have decreased from 165!,769 carcases to 103,819, with the January figures falling from 34,787 carcases to 9596, The increase in boneless beef exports has been from 71,310 bags to 95,518 bags, even although January shipments have decreased from 12,969 bags to 1176 bags. Details of* exports for the season from October 1 to January 15 in the past two seasons are as follows: — 1938-39 1937-38 (3V, mths.)(3V2 niths.) Chilled beef Quarters) 47,088 48,294 Frozen beef (quarters) . 35,390 41,509 Mutton (carcases) .. 440,832 307,384 Lamb (carcases) .. 930,268 1,316.709 Pork (carcases) .. 103,819 162,709 Boneless beef (bags) .. 95,518 71,310 A marked improvement has continued in the lamb killings, and the New Zealand figures at 2,720.667 carcases are now only 2145 carcases behind last year's corresponding total of 2,<22.812. A fortnight ago killings were 102.752 carcases behind and for the first two and a-half months the deficit was 409,000. South Island killings rose by 163,446 • .carcases, compared with the three and a-half monthly period last season, but North Island killings are still behind, being 1,903.127 carcases so far this season. compared with 2,068.718 last season. Total killings from October 1 to January 15 in the past two seasons compare as follows: — 1938-39 1937-38

(3% mths.)(3Vi mthfl.) ("hilled beef (quarters) 53.053 50,387 Frozen beef (quarters) . 21,745 7,767 Wether million (care's) 167.688 155.378 "Ewe mutton (carcases) . 33,997 78,243 Lamb (carcases) .. 2,720,667 2,722,£12 Porkers (carcases) .. 83,351 116,041 Baconers (carcases) .. 101,020 105,492 Boneless beef (freight carcases) . . . . 110,326 94,520 ! Boneless bobb.v veal (freight carcases) . 64,575 71,467 , Sundries (freight care's) 76,0(58 69,608 | * Unshipped stocks at January 15 were I higher than last year in all classes save chilled beef, # ewe mutton and porker pigs. RECORD LAMB KILLINGS WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S TRADE Although it began only a few years ago, the export lamb trade has reached large proportions in Western Australia. With the conclusion of killing at the Robbs Jetty and Albany works early in December the current export lamb season drew almost to its close. The figures had then reached the State record of 378,497 lambs, comprising 338,169 at Robbs Jetty and 40.328 at Albany, where, in addition, 2355 head of ewe and wether mutton were treated. The total for the previous season was 277,368, of which 244,518 were killed at Robbs Jetty and 32,850 at Albany. The figure for 1938 is over 100,000 higher than for 1937, which was also 100.000 higher than the record of 1936. In 1936 there was the keenest demand on record for British breed rams, which augure well for 1939. AUSTRALIAN DROUGHT EFFECTS ON PRODUCTION REACTION ON MARKETS [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION"] INVERCARGILL, Monday "The loss of livestock in Australia during the drought was tremendous, with a consequent shortage. Meat prices will of course soar, and the export market is bound to be adversely affected," said Mr. A. H. Angliss, of Melbourne, who is making the round trip on the Maunganui. ''The ruin of countless crops," he added, "will also have serious reactions on the wheat market. The 1937 wheat realised os od a bushel, but last year it fell to 2s 2d. It is expected to be at the same level this year. The yield this year will be probably about one-third of last season's. That means less for export, and the falling off in exports means reduced income for Australia." Mr. Angliss also stated that the effect of the drought was being felt in the rural districts first, but would soon be felt in the cities. Moreover, timber valued at about £500,000 had been lost in bush fires in Victoria and property valued at about £300,000 had been destroyed. The public response to the appeal had been wonderful. Between £BO,OOO and £IOO.OOO had already been raised. Those in the stricken areas estimated, however, that £250,000 would be needed for this purpose, as many peoplo had lost all. The drought had more than an immediate effect, as stock, being in poor condition, had weak progeny, and the effects of recent setbacks would be felt by Australia for the next 12 months. ENGLISH TEXTILES GRATIFYING TURNOVER SHOWN The Wholesale Textile Association of Great Britain announces that its November statistics of turnover were more gratifying than of late. In spite of a drop in export trade the total figures showed an increase on the corresponding month of last year. There were noticeable increases of trade in a number of sections. The piece-goods trade, the maids' and children's wear and the fashion departments all showed substantial increases, as also did the furnishing department. Women's hose and millinery increased, but glove and men's wear sections were unable to maintain their figures. Provincial houses seemed to have done rather better than the London houses in the total trade figures. It is pointed out that the decline in export trade probably affects London houses more seriously than it does those in .tbe province*.