THE MEAT TRADE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1199, 22 February 1895, Page 5

THE MEAT TRADE.

Nelson Bros., London, in theirTSraat report for the week ending January 4th, state : A moderate supply of cattle was marketed at Islington in the early part of the week, and met generally with an improved demand, in sympathy with higher prices and better trade at Smithfield. At Deptford a reduced number of beasts were on offer, and were placed at higher values. Sheep came in for a good trade, supplies being in moderate quantities. New Zealand Mutton.—The Indramayo arrived on the Ist, bringing some 54,000 .car- ' cases. A steady business has been done throughout the week, and values all round show a slight improvement. Prime Canterburys find ready buyers at 3£d to 4d'per lb, whereas ordinary qualities bring 3£d to 3£d per lb. The ton« of the market is healthy, and with bright dry weather a good demand may be anticipated. ' Australian Mutton. —The only arrival during the week has been the Port Victor with some 12,000 carcases. During the last 10 days prices have gradually hardened, and close at 3-£d to per lb for good merinos, and 3fd to 3Jd per lb for good crossbred sheep. Eiver Plate sheep are being firmly held for 3id per lb, and so" long as this lasts values should be well maintained. Australian Lambs.—Some few of very middling quality have been daily offered for sale, and move off slowly at about 3&d per lb. There is little or no demand at present. American chilled lambs have been placed in small lines at 3|d per lb. Australian Beef .—A fair demand has continued throughout the week, and values have somewhat improved, hinds being worth 3|d per lb, and fores 3gd per lb. No fresh arrivals to report. Defrosted beef continues to give satisfaction, and has met with ready sale at full prices. London, February 15. Bergyl, of Liverpool, claims to have invented a defrosting process, and that six hours are sufficient for the operation. He declares that under his process mutton should realise £d per pound more than the ordinary frozen mutton. Some experts declare that the new invention is not equal to Nelson's. London, February 16. Mr James Nelson has invented a process under which he claims that he will complete the thawing of mutton in five hours, and beef in eleven hours.