THE MEAT TRADE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19258, 23 August 1924, Page 11

THE MEAT TRADE.

HOME AND FOREIGN MARKETS. INTERESTING INFORMATION. (Pub United Pbrsb Association.) WELLINGTON, August 22. A loiter which has just boon received by the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board from its representative on tho Continent contains interesting information relating to the oonditon of the meat market. Iho letter, which is dated July 7, came from Hamburg, and contains tho following*. “During Juno there was little change in the meat market. Prices for live stock and wholesale moat prices remained about tho same. There was a greater demand for prime quality cattle and top price® nave advanced considerably. A fair quantity of live cattle is imported and finds its way to the larger towns inland where it is sold for immediate slaughter. I notice a greater supply of South American frozen mutton displayed in tho shops. Mutton has nover been much consumed hero. Probably the poor quality of the fresh killed meat has net given tne consumers a chance to form a proper judgment. The Argentine mutton displayed is certainly better than muoh of the local stuff, but it is a long way behind New Zealand in quality. Tho consumer will require to bo educated a good deal yet before he can appreciate New Zealand mutton and is prepared to pay a better price for it. Beef, veal, and pork are mainly consumed. Retail meat prices arc little higher on the wliolc than tlioee of 1923, although the live stock prices are loss. This might bo accounted for through tho higher charges for rates and taxes which all businesses have to bear. Agrarian interests are continuing tlioir efforts to get the import of frozen meat limited to a certain quantity or to get a duty put upon it. I have before mo a very able reply to one of tho leading articles on the subject from which it would appear that so long as the present Government is in power no change in tho legislation which permits tire free import of froaon meat till 1953 will take place. Hides and skins are improving in prices. Tho market was decreased through tho export restrictions. A recent improvement is shown in the fact that I havo received inquiries from dealers for Now Zealand salted hide. London prices could bo obtained here and tho extra charges saved. Direct offers from Now Zealand" should bo able to compete. Tho economic condition generally is very dull still, owing to the high discount rate and tho’ shortage of credit. A great many bankruptcies have taken place. _ Most of tho mushroom growths that flourished during the inflation period have boon wooded out. On tho whole a healthier tone is coming into all business relations and it is generally expected that when tho Dawes report has come into operation tho position will bo materially eased.”