TOP OF THE MARKET.

Wairarapa Age, 9 March 1934, Page 4

TOP OF THE MARKET.

NEW ZEALAND LAMB & MUTTON

A YEAR’S ENGLISH AVERAGES.

Once again the New Zealand lamb producer has the satisfaction of knowing, on the authority of the official records of wholesale prices published by the British Imported Meat Trade Association, that our lamb and mutton maim aired its premier position in the 1933 price averages, with a substantial margin over its competitors. This' pleasing position has been maintained for many years. Wholesale prices are taken out weekly by the Imported Meat Trade Association, and the averages for the year ascertained. The results for 1933, compared with those of the Dominion’s principal competitors, are as follow:—

New Zealand lamb (selected North Island, including Downs), 6.73 d. Victorian first quality lamb, 5.62 d. Argentine first quality lamb, 5.92 d. It should be explained that the Victorian lamb is Australia’s best.

The averages for wether mutton also show New Zealand at the top, the relative prices for first quality light weight wethers being as follow:—New Zealand, 4.44 d; Australian, 3.50 d; Argentine, 3.98 d.

The detailed records of the association show that on the general level of all lamb and mutton prices during the last three years, New Zealand is maintaining its premium very well. This premium, if calculated on the whole output of New Zealand lamb and mutton would amount to a very considerable annual sum. In these days of keen competition, it is more than ever imperative that this advantage be maintained by paying special attention to quality. The Meat Board fosters this by its district, competitions, supervision of grading, and in various other ways