THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14839, 3 December 1913, Page 11

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Messrs H. S. Fitter and Sons, writing on October 24th, says:— "At this eeason of the year there always seems to be a varied and plentiful supply of Home-killed meat and poultry, and it is during these few weeke there is less demand for : frozen meat than at any other period. "There has not been a large supply of Scotch and Home-killed mutton, and prices have remained firm. A rair quantity of Dutch mutton with prices about the same, but old ewes are shorter und prices firmer. A rather heavy supply of small Scotch lambs late last week came to rather a bad account. "The demand for frozen mutton Jias been very slow, and in spite of the short arrivals from New Zealand and tho River Plate, tho advance m price effected a few weeks ago scarcely been maintained. Some large Australian lambs and tegs are now coming on' the market, and as these compare Tery favourably just now with a small parcel of tho light New Zealand mutton now on offer, buyers are often induced to give them the preference. A small parcel of prize sheep from Monte Video were put on the market. Some of these were very good quality, but much too large for* tho ordinary consumer, being about 1101b each in weight. 'The New Zealand lamb trade has not been quite so good. A few Australiau lambs have appeared on the market, but not in sufficient quantities to cause much difference to prices. "The prices of Argentine chilled beet have been rather erratic. Last week the market was ovei supplied at the finish, and a fair quantity was put into store at the week-end. An advance m price, this week was attempted, but could not bo maintained, and prices declined. The demand for frozen beef has lately been better. This has probably been caused to a great extent by speculators, who take a hopeful view of the future of the market."