MEAT EXPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2240, 4 February 1897, Page 14

MEAT EXPORT.

We show elsewhere in this issue that the number of sheep in the colony had fallen off ssriously in the year 1895-96. A detailed statement of the export of meat for the je*r ended December 31. 1896, will therefore be interesting. Tbe figure* are published by the " New Zealand Trade Revi«w " :—

It will thus be seen that the export of mutton fell off by 8,647,7441b during the year, while tbat of lamb increased by 2,069,596.b. ,5. Of the decrease in tbe quantity of mutton, the South Island was responsible for upwards of 7,400,000 b. The export of lamb seems to be growing in favour in the South Island, where the increase wes 3,517,930 th. But the export from the North Island showed a falling off of 1,448,0381b, thus leaving a net increase as above stated. We presume those iutereited are careful not to dispose of an excessive number of ewe lambs. The shipment of beef has practically ceased in the South Island. The figures on the whole phow a decreased Export in gross of nearly 6,000,0001b, but it is satisfactory to note that even this leaves an increase of nearly the same amount over the figures of 1894.

North Island. South Island. 1896. 1895. 1896. 1895. lutton 42,27*5,889 43,515,170 iamb 1,910,i.-4l 3,388,075) Total 44,216,930 j 46,903,249 48,914,296 ! 56,323.759 1 26,749,292 j 23,231, 65S 75,663,555j 79,555,417 leef ... 3,006,4441 1,570,400 856S 10,456

XOriJ. XOVX. lb. lutton... 91,191,185 ,amb ... 28,689,&53 kef ... 3,007,300 122.857.818 lb. lb. 99,838,929 98,716,61; 26,(519,737 17,819,f8i 1,580,858 192.60: . • , . 128,039,522 11fi.729,10^

The proportionate returns for each island are as follow : —