FROZEN MEAT MARKET.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1717, 25 January 1905, Page 63

FROZEN MEAT MARKET.

The Colonial Consignment and Distributing Company report under date London, December 9th.:—■ New Zealand mutton. —Only one vessel, the Delphic, has arrived during the past three weeks, and the total importations. of 1,933,38-5 carcases now show a deficiency of 43-1,900 carcases on the figures at the corresponding date last year. The stocks of New Zealand mutton are now much reduced, and the arrivals before the end of the year will be remarkably light. In spite of a dull and sluggish demand, importers have taken full advantage of the statistic il position. Pricks have been still further advanced, and are now at a level which has considerably restricted the output. Canterbury sheep are scarce, and the majority -of those seen, are, on the whole, of indifferent- quality. The nominal quotation is 5d per lb for the bast light weights, but lines have been offered at per lb, without business resulting. Heavier carcases are slow of sale. preference being given to cheaper brands. Very few Dunedin or Southland sheep are available, but some small sales of light weights of the latter description have been made at 4§d j>er lb. North Islands are relatively more plentiful, but the trade passing is limited. Some good quality Light carcases are making 4§d per lb, medium weights 4§d to 4td and heavy sheep 41d per lb. There is a full supply of ewes, and these carcases can still be bought- at 3jd per lb.

River Plate mutton. —The arrivals during the last three weeks amount- to 166,840 carcases, making the total for the year 2,619,611 carcases, against 2,734,512 carcases in 1903. Values in this section have been influenced by the movement of New Zealand mutton, but quotations are not yet firmly established at the nominal figures. The prices asked at finiithfie-ld are 4id for light sheep and 4d per lb for heavies, but business has been done at 4RI and 33d per lb respectively. Provincial quotations have advanced to the same extent, but the consumptive demand has suffered a check.

Now Zealand lamb. —The additions to stocks have been insignificant, and the total received to date amounts to 1,910.187 carcases, against 2,154,914 carcases in 1903, showing a decrease of 244,727 carcases. The supplies available have now been reduced to very small dimensions, and there is some difficulty in supplying the requirements of butchers who must have choice light New Zealand lambs all the year round. Extreme prices have been paid under this necessity, and has been the usual price for any carcases up to standard. Even heavy carcases have been making 6d to 6|d per lb., but the total amount of business done is very small. Australian lamb.—The supplies have amounted to 35,142 carcases, and the total for the year closely approximates last year’s figures. The shortage of New' Zealands has provided a favourable opportunity for these lambs, and although the demand is not large, good prices are being made. Small saleable carcases of good quality have made as much as sfd to 6d per lb, while heavier lambs sell at about s£d per lb. Some heavy teggy carcases have been making 4fd to 5d per lb.

Frozen beef. —There have been no receipts from New Zealand or Australia during the past three weeks, but 50,483 quarters have come to hand from the River Plate. The total supply to date amounts to 902,527 quarters, showing an increase over last year of 285,335 quarters, of which the River Plate is responsible for no less than 229,414. The supply has been fully adequate for requirements, and it has been a difficult matter to establish any improvement in prices in the face of the low values ruling for Ran die and Argentine chilled beef. The strike already referred to, has, however, led to a better inquiry. New Zealand fores have been selling fairly freely at 2-jj-d per lb. and a line has been placed at it hi. Kind quarters are now making up to 3fd per lb. Argentine hinds are quota; d a'- 2-*d. and fores at 2£d, per lb at Smiihfield,

but hinds are worth S.yci, and fc res up to 23d in the provinces. The inqo. y has been running on lores, which explains the relative value-. The i:> d supplies of Australian beef are ceiling at 2-£d for hinds, and -id to 2?d for fores.