THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14887, 29 January 1914, Page 8

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Messrs H. S. Fitter and Sons, writing on December 19th, cay: — "There has been a fairly good supply of Scotch mutton, mostly of excellent quality, quotations for which are slightly lower. The quantity of Dutch mutton begins to decrease, and the quality is not so good at the end of tho year. Old ewes are quoted slightly lower, but prices are still firm. "At this time- of the year the demand for frozen mutton is always exceedingly low. The retail trade lay themselves out to make a good show at Christmas, and although at other times many of them sell nothing but «ew Zealand or other frozen meat, just now, for the sake of a better display, buy Home-killed. The present short supply of New Zealand and River Plato mutton causes prices to remain very firm. Large quantities of Australian mutton are now being sold on the market, and although there are good sheep among them the quality is usually very mixed. In many of the parcels there is often 30 per cent, which, if selected and sent under a special brand, ought to 'be worth id per lb more than the remainder. Many of the tegs and hoggets are of excellent quality, but some are much too fat and wasteful. New Zealand ewes are selling very well. "The delay in commencing freezing in the South Island has been taken full advantage of by the Australian shippers, and prices have jumped to a very high level. Whether the demand will continue strong enough to absorb the supply at these high prices remains to be seen. High prices are being offered for the early shipments of N«w Zealand lambs, and the outlook is very promising. "There has been a moderate supply of chilled Argentine beef and prices for hinds have been fairly steady, but the higher prices asked for the forequarters have rather stopped the demand and prices are somewhat weaker. Some of tho Argentine Show beef has been on the market this weak. Tho quality was very good, and tho appearanco Very fresh and bright. The quotations for frozen beef continue very firm, but not much is required at this season of the year."