NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE IN LONDON.

Otago Witness, Volume 14, Issue 2648, 14 December 1904, Page 22

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE IN LONDON .

(Fbosi Orra Own Corbespokdent.) LONDON, November 4.

Although there have been no arrivals of New Zealand mutton during the week, the C.C. and D. Company says that stocks appear fully adequate to the present limited demand. The slight reduction in value of North Island sheep, combined with more favourable weather, 1 has induced a little better demand at the close, but it will be impossible to establish higher pricos until there is a corresponding movement an the value of' River Plate mutton. North Island sheep ' can be quoted at 3fd to 4d per lb, according to weight, but only a few light carcases are at present making the latter figure. Canterbury' sheep are scarce, ' and are quoted at 4d to 4|d per lb, according to weight and quality. Dunedin and Southland sheep are available in only limited numbers, and are worth 4d to 4§d. Ewes are selling at 3|d to .3£d per-lb. Stocks of New Zealand lamb are being, rapidly depleted. The demand is now stationary, and the position of stocks has enabled prices to be maintained. Canterbury lambs especially are very scarce, and are worth 5Jd to_ sld per lb. Some Dunedin and Southland "lambs are available, and are making about 6!d per lb for the best; the' North •Island lambs are practically exhausted. The extreme value of New Zealand hindquarters of -beef is now 3d per lb, and forequarters can be bought at 2Jd to 2Jd per lb. The market is overweighted with supplies of frozen beef, and- while that from the River Plate is abundant and cheap, New Zealand descriptions are neglected.

It is noted by Messrs Weddel in their latest report- that the demand for Australian butter is increasing, while the inquiry for New Zealand butter is extending, especially as the arrival of the new season's make approaches. -Last year at thas time the first arrival of new season New Zealand and Australian butter was on the market, and prices ranged from 106s per cwt for choicest, and from 9Ss to 104s for finest. At the present -time stored New Zealand butter is selling at 91s to 925, with an occasional 935. For forward sales of New Zealand cheese buyers are willing to pay 45s per cwt, shipment November to April.