MEAT TRADE PROBLEM

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 19 April 1939, Page 6

MEAT TRADE PROBLEM

CONGESTION AT WORKS LACK OF SHIPPING SPACE Severe congestion is still taking place at killing works in the Auckland Province as there will not be another ship carrying refrigerated meat cargo until three weeks. Owing to the continuance- of the dry weather, the position is now more serious than it was before Easter. It was thought that the position woul right itself after the holiday period, as more ships were expected to be available. However, while a limited amount of cargo was despatched, the position had been little relieved.

Matters are becoming progressively worse as the dry weather continues, and it is apparent that saleyard values will suffer as a consequence. Although butchers have been responsible for keeping up values in most sections at the yards, lack of export competition should tend to depress markets. At the Frankton sale yesterday, the supply of beef proved considerably in excess of requirements and values suffered a steep drop, the recession being the most substantial since last winter. Only restricted competition is being shown by export buyers for boner cattle, which are coming forward in heavy supplies, and declining values are reported from all centres.