Frozen Meat Trade

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1425, 22 June 1899, Page 6

Frozen Meat Trade

NEW ZEALAND'S POSITION. EQUALITY WITh"cOMPETITORS. Mr H. C. Cameron. inspector of produce. in his report dated the 4tli May. to the Agent-General for New Zealand, which lias been received by the Department of Agriculture, writes as follows in regard to the frozen meat trade : ‘The result of this contraction cf suplies (of sheep) from Australia and River Plate—the two countries chiefly supplying the Midlands ' working class population—has been a very rapid rise in values of all classes of mutton, but principally in second grades* The values of New Zealand. Australian and River Plate sheep are now almost 011 a par. and did to 4d per lb bs being realised for them. ‘Canterburys’ are fetching . prices scarcely higher. This is a most surprising state of things. I consider, and I certainly tnink it ;s a matter that should cause New Zealand producers to ponder on the position their meat occupies cn the markets of this country. The prices realised just now are splendid, and must afford satisfaction to growers, who possibly may be jubilant. But that is not tiie point. Here ire have now proof that in the markets at present catered for. Australian and River Plate mutton have command. When stocks of these become short, their values rise much more rapidly than do tliosp of New Zealand. Instead of there being a margin cf Id per lb between ‘Canterbury - and ‘River Plates.' as there was at the beginning of the year, there is: now only about jd. This is serious. Surely New Zealand could work up a trade in this country for all her mutton that would be quite independent of the market for River Plate and Australian. Why should New Zealand be content to let the bulk of her mutton go into channels of outlet that compete directly wnu tnese other keen competitors. . . . New Zealand mutton should be sold iu the same shops as New Zealand hi mb. and this could easily oe done if steps were earnestly taken in the colony to attain it. ... I say that New Zealand mutton should lie sent everywhere. This is what I have so repeatedly insisted on, and also why I urge advertising by demonstration throughout the country You cannot, however, expect to get home salesmen to support this. They always say. as Mr Botliwiek is reported to have said, that they ‘do not think there is now any necessity for the colony opening shops in England, as frozen mutton and lamb, is sent into almost every corner of the country.’ ” Mr Cameron reverts to ‘‘this confounding of frozen mutton with New Zealand mutton I have often pointed out.” In regard to the lamb trade, Mr Cameron says:—“Those retailers who last year owing to low prices, were tempted to stock New Zealand lamb for the first time, and therefore to introduce it to their customers, undoubtedly require to handle it again this season, no matter though the price may he higher, as their customers will demand it from them. I fully anticipate that my remarks made in my report of the 18th November last regarding the prospects of the lamb trade for this season will be fully borne out.' Mr Cameron then said that lie considered that the outlook for the lamb trade next season was most encouraging. Recently-arrived steamers are dealt with individually by Mr Cameron. Of the steamer Aotea he says that “although the record of temperatures was satisfactory. all the meat with the exception of mat carried in No 1 hold, was found to be more or less damaged. One hundred and twelve carcases and forty-three pieces were condemned by the health officer of the Port of London, and. of course, heavy claims have had to be made on the insurance companies. I have tried to ascertain the cause of this damage, but without success.' ”