EARLY LAMB PROSPECTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18589, 27 December 1934, Page 4

EARLY LAMB PROSPECTS

GISBORNE SHIPMENTS

UNLOADING NEXT WEEK

PRESENT MARKET STEADY

Alarket prospects seem to be fairly favorable for the first of the season’s early lambs from Gisborne to arrive- at Smithfield. At present, the market prices are approximately the same as they were at the corresponding period last year, and there is reported io be a steady demand. Two shipments from Gisborne totalling 16,505 carcases, are expected to be unloaded in Loudon at approximately the same time immediately after the New Year holidays are over. The Trojan Star left on November 2 with 4496 carcases of lamb and the Waiwera. on November 12 with 12,009 carcases. Although there was an interval of 10 days between their departure from Gisborne, they both should arrive in London during the holiday period, and unloading is not expected to commence until the end of next week. Selected North Island new season’s lamb was quoted at 7jjd per lb. on an average of sales during the week preceding Christmas, while at the corresponding period last year the quotation was 7|d. In both instances, a decline of ' 6 d had taken place from the previous week.

Gisborne lambs participated in the pre-Christmas market last year, and if the steady demand at present reported continues, Gisborne shippers of the first consignment might find the market approximately equal to that when their first lambs came on the market in 1933. After the New Year last summer, the market declined to 7|d for the lightweight selected North Island lambs up to the week ended January 5, while on January 12 there was a further decline to 7|d. At present, the lamb and mutton markets are in a healthy position. The Meat Board’s weekly review states : “Lamb.— I There is a steady demand. “Mutton.—For wethers and ewes, prices are better, with fair trade. “Beef.—There is a steady demand, with prices unchanged. “New Zealand porker pigs,—The market is quiet, and prices are unchanged. "New Zealand baconer pigs.—Prices are nominal/’