The Waikato Argus [PUBLISHED DAILY.] A Guaranteed Circulation of Over 7500 Weekly. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1905.

Waikato Argus, Volume XIX, Issue 2978, 11 September 1905, Page 2

The Waikato Argus [PUBLISHED DAILY.] A Guaranteed Circulation of Over 7500 Weekly. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1905.

So important is the frozen meat trade to this colony and so keen is the competition in the Home markets, that all engaged in the trade from the farmer upwards should look at the question from all points of view. The Canterbury Times has published an article on this subject which should command attention. The writer points out that the steady fall in the price of frozen lamb is causing some apprehension amongst farmers, more particularly those who have committed themselves to high priced lambs and ewes. The writer thus summarises the opinions given by leading exporters. As to Argentine competition, the writer says the arrivals from the liiver Plate in August last included 290,000 carcases of mutton and 14,0u0 lambs ; the arrivals for September were 123,291 carcases of mutton and 1213 lambs. Those figures show that New Zealand lamb is not meeting great opposition from the Argentine. The cause ot the fall appears to be unprofitable quality (to retailers) of the season’s lambs. A London firm writes; “We hear of many complaints of the heavy weight of lambs aud the system adopted by farmers of holding back their lambs until they are too heavy for this market. The absence of light Canterbury lamb is undoubtedly assisting the sale of imports from other countries. There appears to be a decided preference for light meaty sheep and lambs. Many of the lambs on the market are far too fat, and in many instances tiie salesmen have to trim them down before they can sell them.” In another letter the writer says: “It is folly on the part of the farmer to supply such large quantities of lambs weighing over 301b. The difference in price between a lamb weighing about 341b and one weighing about 391b is practically id per lb. It would, therefore, pay the farmer just as well to ship lighter lambs and get the increased price. The value of lambs weighing from 421b to 501b is virtually, says the writer, on the same basis as mutton.” Another writer says : “ Owing to the heavy weight and the high prices for Canterbury sheep the retail butchers are leaving them alone, and are going in more for a cheaper article. Heavy lambs have come down virtually to the [nice of mutton. Chilled beef is also coming into competition; the butchers are pressing its sale, as they can get much better prices out of it. In July Argentine chilled beef was quoted at for hind quarters aud 2,[d for fore quarters ; New Zealand lamb, light s;|d, heavy s|d.” We have put these facts brielfy before the farmers of the Waikato in order that they may take steps to avoid the errors which in the past have been so detrimental to their welfare.

A man named Charles Mills was shut dead on Saturday while marking at, the now ride range at Stoke, Nelson. Thu naked body of a female infant was found in the Lyttelton harbour on Saturday morning floating inside the western breakwater, near the cuttle wharf. A wood - chopping competition will he held on Sydney Square, Hamilton East, to-morrow morning in aid of the Hamilton Band. Wo understand that Mr West (of West’s Picture Company), who has been commissioned by the Government to take pictures for exhibition in England and elsewhere, will ho present, aud will take a record of the competition. \Vc understand that a dispute has occurred between the architects and builders in Hamilton, and that for the present things are at a standstill, the Builders’ Association refusing to allow its members to undertake any work under the conditions imposed. On Saturday not a single Hamilton tender was received for a house estimated to cost XI,IOO. We understand that one tender was received from Cambridge, and as this builder is nut yet enrolled under the association banner it is probable that it will he accepted. The trouble is only a continuation of that which exists in Auckland at the present time, whore a similar deadlock has occurred.

On Saturday morning the executive of the A. and P. Association mot a number of farmers interested to discuss matters in connection with the proposed saleyards at Claudolands. There were present; Messrs Gordon, Barugh, Hawkins, Steele, Coates, J. Clarkin, W. Chitty, Day, Duxfleld, F. li. Soddon, Waring, J. Davies, Main, T. Clarkin, W. H. Knock, J. Parker. It was decided after inspection to accept the south-eastern corner of the association’s property, and to proceed with the erection of the yards as soon as possible. It is the intention of the prime movers to issue debentures at a value to ho decided upon, hearing interest at 5 per cent., and they anticipate no difficulty in raising the mouey required, XGUt). The sketch plan of the yards was submitted ; it provides for 15-4 pens, and also horse stalls for the use of farmers on sale days. Additional contributions were received as follow :—Messrs J. Clarkin X 25, \V. Newell X2O, W. H. Knock XlO. The proposals will be considered at a general meeting of the association at an early date. Wood’s Great Peppermint Cure for coughs and colds never fails. 1/G SYNOPSIS OP ADVERTISEMENTS Dance at Mataugi on Wcduesday. Hamilton Borough - Intention to make rates. Nice table liueu at the Cosey Corner Store, Hamilton. Chopping match at Sydney Square, Hamilton, to-morrow. Hamilton Town Hall, Friday next— Imperial Biograph Co. Whatawhata Hall, Wednesday next— Grand concert and dance.