THE STOCK TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1808, 22 July 1913, Page 8

THE STOCK TRADE.

PROSPECTS BRIGHT. - There seems to bo cheerful outlook for those engaged in the raising of stock in New Zealand, according to tho statements of Mr. J. Ci. Wilton at tho Farmers' Union Conference last week. "It would seem fairly certain," said tho speaker, "that the -Continent and the United States of America will be forced to import mutton from outside sources, and it this is the case present prices are likely to be maintained. In connection with this subject it is interesting to note that while Australia exports only 1-lQOth part of her ilocks, in New Zealand we export l-sth each year. Although there have been less lambs exported than tho previous year, by 136,842 carcases, the smaller number has realised about .£75,000 more, by reason of the higher level of prices. In all, we .exported frozen meat last year to a greater estimated amount of half a million, a total of, J»,694,170. "(This, however, has been eclipsed-for tlio first time in the history 'of the freezing process (for both industries are dependent -upon this wonderful process of burning coal to create co}d) by the estimated value of our butter and cheese exports, which reached high-water mark, .£3,915,79-1 for the twelve months ending March 31 last. If, however, the present prices of lamb keep, up, -the trade is so profitable in suitable country that, it is I likely to check tho great conversion at present going on from sheep/arming to dairying. "If wo tako a ten year's period 'to examine the change which has takon place, and take 1902-3 to 1911-12 (the latest years shown in the Year Book), we find great changes in tho number of dairy cattle have taken place:— ' 1902-3. " 1911-12. Dairy cows 281,492 633,733 ■Heifers, 2 years 39,001 170,315 420,9-13 804,078 Our sheep in tho same period increased from 20,342,727 to 23,750,133, and ohr wool (including .that and locally) increased from 159,855,8751b. to 190,902,3131b., which gave an average of 7.851b. in 1902-3, as against 8.031b. in 1911-12."