THE MEAT MARKET.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13594, 8 October 1914, Page 5

THE MEAT MARKET.

(Special to "Tho Colonist.")

Christchuroh, Oct. 7. " The re-opening of some of the freezing works a few weeks ago has caused a shortage of both fat cattle and fat sheep for local consumption. Last week the Addington yards entries were below requirements, and in the case of cattle the quality was generally very inferior. The high prices then realised had the effect of bringing more fat stock into the yards to-day, and there was a considerable improvement in the quality of the beef. Prices therefore ■received a check in their upward tendency. There is still some business being done in fat cattle for export. As it is said the beef is required to fill War Office contracts, it is likely that beef will be scarce and dear for some months to come, as supplies of fat cattle are apparently small and the dry _ season and the shortness of feed is against cattle fattening at all rapidly. The supply <of fat sheep, on the other hand, is likely to sonn' become more plentiful, as there will be more dry ewes offering; and, as shearing is likely to start soon, sheep will fatten quicker when their wool is off, especially during the dry ihot weather. Beef has been selling in the market at about 6d to sid per lb, and mutton up to 5d or over, so that '■consumers need not be surprised to find that their meat is costing them more just now.