THE MUTTON TRADE.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 13013, 28 June 1906, Page 3

THE MUTTON TRADE.

The following are extracts from the C.C. and D. Company's report dated London, *May 10th: Frozen meats are low in price and lambs attract the' most attention. Trade is certainly not so brisk as it might be, but very fair quantities are going into consumption.

New Zealand Mutton.—There is still a very considerable shortage on the importations last year, the total receipts for 1906 amounting to 490,946 carcases and (showing a deficiency of 223,138 carcases. If this fact stood alone, the present condition of the market would appear anomalous, and the" low quotations can only be explained by the statement that stocks are in many hands and a large number of holders appear anxious to clear their stocks at any price. For the moment New Zealand mutton is the cheapest in the market. Canterbury sheep axe a little more plentiful than they-have been but there is iio improvement in the quality, and there is little to choose between these sheep and North Islands. Medium weights have been sold as low as 3d arid thirteen-six-teenths of a penny per lb, and heavies are difficult to move "at 3gd per lb. The extreme quotation for the best brands is 4d per lb. North Island brands are bein" offered very cheaply. Carcases of 601bst weight can be bought at 3d and 7-16ths, ar.d even for the aniost favoured brands no more than 3£d per lb can be made. For light carcases some holder* ask np to 3|d per lb., but buyers -can get served elsewhere at 3d arid 9-16ths per lb. Heavy sheep are offered at per lb, and buyers appear able to deal at almost their own prices.

The total import of frozen : sheep and lambs from Ist January to 18th May, 3,293,535 carcases, it- 11,564' less than imports for the same period of 1905. Australian sheep and lambs show; increases, both New Zealand and -- South America show decreases in both varieties.

South American Sheep.—The importations continue very steady, and the totalreceipts of 888,629 carcases' compare with 966,989 carcases for the same 'period of last year. The stocks are again in moderate compass, showing the ease with which this meat goes into consumption, and prices are correspondingly firm, in spite of the low value of New Zealand.---. Air Smithfield small carcases make 3£d per lb, and the. bottom price for heavy sheep is per lb. The-demand at these" figures is somewhat limited, but prices a'r£ not likely to ibe eased while supplies aire jm their present position. Provincial are still rather above London, arid a;fair trade has be%n/'done* fv* s ?*-:- • ' ;'• .-■■■~~:\* y-" ■

. Australian Mutton.'—The receipts for the year amount to '353,202 carcases" the vacrease over 19(J5*$emg : ; only-90-693-"car-cases. • With the approaching cessation of shipments, the limited stocks are firmly held. For good sound sheep 3£l to 3|d per lb is asked and obtained, but -transactions are not large. Enquiries tor nex.b season's, business show a difference of opinion between buyers and sellers to the value of the. meat.

New Zealand Lambs.—Tie decrease in receipts, of 84,303 carcases is reduced to insignificance by the enormous quantities at the time afloat. In the early part of the season importers were hampered by the competition: of Australian lambs and the inferior quality of many of the New Zealands. \ The former element has disappeared, but'the proportion of-second-class lambs is still heavy, and this fact is largely responsible for the low prices ruling. Parcels are in numerous hands, and the majority are anxious sellers. The demand, however, is abnormal, and probably 'equal to that at any previous time, although the conditions have not been the most favourable, and this factor has kept prices- steady but at a low level. The top quotation for tie best Canterbury lamb is 4Jd per- lb, but sales are reported at 4 11-16 d per lb: ' North Islands' are very plentiful and are quoted at '4sd to 4£d per lb, but plain 1 inferior carcases have changed hands at 4d per lb. Australian Lambs.—These lambs are now getting scarce. The receipts in the aggregate, amount to. 826,232. carcases,. an .increase over last year of 318,484. carcases. A consignment from Queensland of particularly good quality has recently been offered and commanded, per-lb. Other qualities sell down to 3£d per lb.