THE EXPORT OF MEAT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1196, 1 February 1895, Page 5

THE EXPORT OF MEAT.

Melbourne, January 23, The promoters ‘of 'arJfational Trust in connection with the meat export trade have formulated a scheme which is now being considered by the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies throughout the country. They urge the Government to pass a Bill enabling the stockholders of the colony to form themselves into a trust to develop the meat export industry ; and that power be given to levy a rate on all;stock. They estimate that a sum of .£145,000 will provide ample funds to establish freezing and storage works in Melbourne, -Geelong, Warrnambdol, Portland and any .suitable places iii the country districts, this money to be provided as required by the issue of debentures' at 5 per cent, interest, guaranteed by the Government. 1 In order to provide interest and the repayment of the debentures, a; tax of only 2s per 100 sheep on the 13 millions in Victoria would be necessary. This tax would bring us a yearly income of .£13,000, which would provide interest and pay off the principal in 15 years. A proportionate tax on cattle would probably yield <£9ooo, which could be used in redeeming the debentures, or for the purpose of assisting in opening up markets in various parts of the globe. Melbourne, January 24. The Argus, commenting on the summary of the frozen meat trade issued by the Shaw, Savill Company, says it is evident that the frozen beef trade in New Zealand is not a success, as Queensland is able to ship far more' cheaply.

Nelson Brothers, in their London weekly meat report, dated 14th December, state : New Zealand mutton —There have been no arrivals ; Tongariro and Hawkes Bay are close at hand. The Ruapehu’s cargo, after being transferred to the Aorangi and stored, has been sold at a satisfactory figure, and is now being landed, an assurance of returning confidence in the steadiness of the market. Trade has not been brisk during the week, but prices are main, tained, and show an inclination to go higher. Really prime sheep are very scarce and enquired for; a certain demand always exists for choice neat sheep showing quality, and this sort are difficult to obtain. The best Canterbury sheep offered are making 3gd per lb, with a few at 3f d per lb; prime Dunedins and Southlands are worth 3|d to 3£d per lb; North Island sheep about 3fd per lb, a number of stale and damaged sheep now being marketed tending to keep prices down.