PRODUCE COMMISSIONER’S REPORT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 121, 1 June 1901, Page 3

PRODUCE COMMISSIONER’S REPORT.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. Mr Cameron, Produce Commissioner, in his report to the Agent-General, dated London, 26th April, says The mutton market, during the past threo weeks, has boon oxtromely dull, and prices have < been steadily falling. With heavy arrivals from all sources coming to hand just at Eastor time, holders of stocks, fearing an accumulation in the cold storos, had to accopt 'less money. Australian mutton was first quoted down, and this was naturally followed by River Plate and secondary Now Zcalands, of which latter thcro was a majority in recent arrivals. Canterbury sheep of nice weights, and Dunedin and Southland brands, have been scaro, but what have boon offering have naturally boon pulled down in price by othors. The warm weather oxporienccd

during the past week might reasonably have been expocted to have assisted the trade in mutton, but the supply on hand being so largo as to exceed tho demand, the downward tendency of prices has not ' boon checked. Tho trade in lamb has ,* been good and steady. Prices have fallen slightly, but are still high, and supplies being put on market are increasing, and though the demand is large and widespread, valuos recedo. .The trade is now in full swing, and I expect a satisfactory season throughout for all lamb of good condition and proper weights. Heavy-weight lambs, of course, at this sooson are dull of sale, and as it is found that a very largo proportion of those arriving from New Zealand oomo under this heading, the avorago price is greatly reduced. It is a pity that so many of them have been kept until they are so largo, as tho reputation of New Zealand lamb has suffered considerably thereby. Serious complaints have beon made to me by tradors who arc endeavouring to do a high-class trade in Midlands, and specialising New Zoaland lamb, of unjust competition. They have to _ fight with others who are soiling Australian lamb as New Zealand. As furthor illustrating the provalence of tho sale of other produce than New Zealand as Now Zoaland, I may mention that poultry in cases marked “ Now Zealand ” is being sold in Smithfiold as New Zealand poultry. Those are, I believe, sent from Amorica, and I am trying to get cvideuco of this. It is, howover, most difficult to obtain evidence necessary to satisfy a Magistrate. If I can get it as I hope to do, I intend laying an information against a salesman. The different steamship companies trading between New Zealand and London have made the following reductions in freight: —Wool, greasy, 8-Sd per lb ; washed, ..Vd : shoep skins, 3-8 d ; rabbbit skins, id ; flax, 65s per ton weight; tallow and pelts, ■ 40s per ton.