NOTES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1316, 20 May 1897, Page 4

NOTES.

A valuable addition has been made by " Independence " —whose letter appears in another column —to the discussion which has been going on for some time past as to what should be done by producers and shippers to improve the frozen meat trade. " Independence," however, has missed the point sought to be made by this journal. It does not necessarily follow, because the whole of the meat sent forward is to be graded at the central stores, that none but firstgrade carcases would be shipped to London. So far as the information goes which is furnished from time to time by the London agencies, there is a ready market for second and even third-class meat, but what is really necessary is that this should not be shot into a steamer's hold pell-mell without distinguishing mark or attempt at classification. It is useless to talk about all the meat that is sent Homo being first-class. It is not now the case, nor has it ever been since the trade began.

In the irregular manner of shipment and consignment lies much of the evil of which the London merchants complain. The fact, also, that meat is kept too long in storo in New Zealand and for long months again in London, until it is faded and tasteless, must be accepted as the reason of the falling off in both price and popularity of our frozen mutton. With central stores established in Wellington, where grading would be efficiently carried on, and from whence the carcases would be regularly and promptly shipped, much of the loss that is now occasioned both to producer and shipper could and would be prevented. The ocean-liners would not have to go "on the tramp" for their cargoes, and there would bo no possibility of shipping companies purchasing inferior I lots for filling up.

In proof of the possibility of ready sales and fair prices for secondary meat on the London market may be quoted, the latest

circular to hand from "Weddel and Co. (April 2), and at the same time as proof of the damage done to the trade by longstored carcases being brought forward the following is of importance:— Canterburys have not hardened in price to the sane extent as other descriptions. The presence of so many stale parcels still hanging over the market has made it almost impossible for holders to raise prices. However, steady progress continues to be made with these stale lots, so that before long the market will be freed from their depressing influence. At the present time 3;fd per lb may be said to be the top price for selected Canterburyß ; some, holders have been endeavouring to make 3gd per lb for a few freshly landed carcases of the best weights, but with little success. Stale Canterburys show practically no improvement on our last quotations at 3d to 3£d per lb. Values of secondary grades are certainly better, for at least one of the principal holders has been induced to raise prices, a course of proceduro which has beon amply justified by the readine3s with which buyers have paid the advanced rates demanded. Dunedins and Southlands are now making 2|d to 2£d per lb, while Wellingtons and Hapiers have advanced from 2fd per lb (price a fortnight ago) to 2-fd per lb. Although the statistical position is not much altered, holders generally are firmer and sanguine of being able to advance values still further.