NEW ZEALAND MUTTON AT HOME.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1424, 15 June 1899, Page 51

NEW ZEALAND MUTTON AT HOME.

Messrs W. and R. Fletcher, of London, report under date May 5 as follows : ■< — The steady and consistent demand which prevailed for New Zealand mutton up to the end of last week encouraged sellers to further advance prices, and although, sales this week have been made less freely, the favourable position of stocks should enable current rates to be.,jnaintained. On the fortnight North Island descriptions are up Jd per lb and Canterbury per lb. There are very few, if any, Southland and Dunedin sheep available. With regard to New Zealand lamb, rt large business has passed at slightly higher rates than last recorded, and with the larger demand anticipated from how, combined with moderate shipments advised to arrive this month, the prospects appear decidedly favourable to further improvement. Current quotations are : —Prime New Zealand lamb, 3s 4d to 3s 6d per stone of 81b; prime New Zealand mutton, 2s lOd to 3s; second quality New Zealand mutton, 2s 8d to 2s lOd ; inferior quality New Zealand mutton, 2s 7d to 2s 8d; prime Australian lamb, 3s 2d to 3s 3d; Australian mutton, 2s 7d to 2s 8d; River plate mutton, 2s 7d to 2s Bd.