NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE IN LONDON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2782, 10 July 1907, Page 26

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE IN LONDON.

(From Oub Own Cobbespondent.) LONDON, May 24. DAISY PRODUCE. It is msntioned to-day by Messrs W. Weddel and Co: that the demand for New Zealand and Australian butter is gradually diminishing ; and so are the supplies. , Australian arrivals are bow coming- principally from Queensland and New South Wales. Victoria has practically finished for the season. The total ' quantity of Australian butter afloat and due to arrive up to the end of June is 74,000 bcxes, while from New Zealand the, quantity . is 40,000 boxes. < Prices for both Australian and New Zealand remain at about the level of Last week, but the tone of the market is somewhat weaker. Choicest New Zealand is quoted at 98s to 100s, and finest at 94s to 965. The question of supplies is in strong contrast to what prevailed last year, which led later on to very high prices, as well as - "to the extraordinary speculation in forward buying of New Zealand, and to a small extent in Australian. From the Ist April a year ago up to date the total imports from all sources showed a decrease from the previous year of 60,000cwt in the seven weeks, which gives a weekly average deficiency of 8570cwt; while this year the total arrivals for the same- period have been from 85,800cwt in excess of those 12 months since, or a weekly surplus of 12,257cwt. The position, therefore, shows a difference of over 1000 tons a week, which is equal to about 25 per cent. Unless some very extraordinary change occurs in the climatic conditions to interfere with supplies, prices of forward sales- of New Zealand for next season .will be in marked contrast with those of the season now closing. The demand for Canadian and New Zealand cheese is fully as strong 'as it was last week, and prices are firmly maintained at 70s for white and 68s for coloured Canadian. New Zealand prices are 68s and 67s respectively for the same varieties. > NEW ZEALAND MEAT. It is reported by the C.C. and D. Company that, the Star of Scotland has arrived with 32)602 carcases of New Zealand mutton, and , the Karame* with 30,408 carcases. There has been a better inquiry than -has been'experienced for some time past, and prices show some improvement. Canterbury brands, however, are very little in evidence, and prime quality sheep are difficult to find. The quotation of 3|d to 4|d per lb, according to weight, is little more then nominal. Light North Island carcases tave improved' to 3Jd per lb. and heavy sheep are held for 3Jd. Considerable progress has been ' made with the disposal of the stock of ewes, and with these reduced to more reasonable compass 1 the price has been advanced and the demand diverted to other grades. Stocks of New Zealand lambs have been increased by 50 528 carcases by the two steamers just named. The demand continues fully adequate to deal with the supplies, and there has been no d'fficulty in maintaining prices. Canterbury : lambs are selling from s|d to s|d per lb. but , very few make the latter figure. North Island j lambs still range , from 4£d to 5Jd per lb, and second quality lambs cannot now be bought below 4Jd. The week's receipts of beef include 2122 quarters from New Zealand. Hindquarters from the colony are nominally worth 3|d per lb, and forequarters 3Jd per lb. The supply of beef on the London market has been very short, - and prices have advanced.