NEW ZEALAND MUTTON

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 13727, 17 October 1908, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND MUTTON

TRADE WITH GREAT BRITAIN. D-ANGER FROM THE ARGENTINE. It is anticipated that the development of the distribution, of River Plate mut ton by American meat companies tliat haw hitherto devoted their attention chilled b ce f f rom '"'" Unit'il States may affect somewhat seriously the market for New Zealand mutton in Gnat Britain. This information is contained in advice received from the High Commissioner, who 'forwarded a report by Mr H. C. (_'a- : meron, Produce Commissioner, on the position, which was laid on the table of the House of Representatives on Tuesday week. It appears that for some considerable time it has been growing more customary in New Zealand to depend to a greater extent on the development of the lamb trade than on the mutton trade. Competition in frozen lamb has not been so keenly felt as in mutton. Australia has not so far produced lambs sufficient either in quantity or quality to greatly affect New Zealand. It nppears to be accepted by growers in the Dominion that River Plate will never be a dangerous rival, the capabilities of that enornious and rich pastoral country being regarded as specially suitable for beef and mutton exportation. Frozen lamb being an easy line to handle, the New Zealand trade has been showing a steady and satisfactory expansion. " With the trade in New Zealand mutton such satisfaction cannot b<? expr. ssed," states Mr Cameron. "It is true that values during the past three years have been more satisfactory than they previously were, but. there "has not been that growth of distribution in the retail trade that could be desired. Steadiness rather than increase has -. .been the feature of the trade. Although tho margin in price between New Zealand mutton and River Plate has beeu greater of late than it was some time ago, it is fully recognised that the value -of the former is largely governed by the marketprice of the latter. From present indications it would appear that- this unsatisfactory state of atfairs is not likely soon to be improved but is, on the other hand, ratlier to be intensified. For a considerable time the .large American meat companies that have developed' aii iminente and extended trade in chilled beef have been increasing their supply to .their regular customers of New Zealand mutton, and go have .helped in its distribution. '1 tie State's chilled beef has now a deservedly high reputation. For many yeans it has been the desire of some ot these keen traders to have New Zealand mutton associated and retailed with their chilled beef. With this object their agents have made purchases of the mutton on behalf of their clients. "It has been rumoured on more than one ocea>ion that North American meat companies have, endeavoured to get a footing in New Zealand in order to secure regular supplies, but it would appear that they have, been unsuccessful in their efforts. That, they haw been determined to secure mutton supplies is now evident, for recently Messrw .Swift, one of tho most strongest and most, energetic of these companies have acquired the I.a Plata freezing works in Argentine and have commenced the importation of River Plate mutton on their own account for the supply of their retail I'listomer.s. Thi* tiim has now distributing depots in all the chief centres of the -country, and if the example set is followed by the other North American meat companies it is apparent that such competition .in tho mutton trade, will !>-■ established as must reflect detrimentally on the New Zealand trad*. At the present moment is is re|>orted that two other companies are following Swift's example and-have purchased intensts in Argentine freezing works.