THE GLOBE. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1882. THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2452, 14 February 1882, Page 2

THE GLOBE. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1882. THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

There was a paragraph in the Home papers that arrived by last mail that was a very pregnant one with regard to our frozen meat trade. The writer, alluding to the festivities of Christmas-time, touched on the good cheer that is provided for the festive season, and expressed a regret that a shipload of frozen. Australian meat did not arrive until too late to play a part in the array of good things that were displayed. At the same time it was intimated that it is possible even in London to flood the food market, or at all events that portion of the food market affected by Australian cargoes. On the ship alluded to coming into dock it was found that its freight consisted of nothing but carcasses of sheep, and their value was decidedly depreciated by the fact that the arrival of so much mutton was inopportune at a time when roast beef, turkeys, &c, are the proper thing to devour. There is a fashion in eating as well as other things, and a feast at Christmas-time in which the principal pieces de resistance were to consist of mutton would be considered in the Old Country a very poor affair indeed. The poorer the honsehold, the more zealously would the members of it probably follow the fashion in this particular, so that a cargo of sheep thrown into the market at this particular juncture was singularly inappropriate. The lesson taught by the shipment in question of course points to the fact that the particular requirements of the Home buyers should be carefully studied. No judicious shipper of goods throws his wares indiscriminately on the market. He studies the wants of his customers as carefully as possible. Markets are more delicate organizations than would at first sight appear possible. The difference between the thorough success and the modified success of a shipment of carcases might easily be made by the fact as to whether the particular description of meat sent was specially in request at the time of arrival.

It is to bo presumed that, as tho trade gains a firm foothold, the point alluded to will be seen to by tho exporting companies, and also that other minor matters will claim their consideration. For instance, we venture to say that very few peoplj in England know anything of tho dol'cacy of pure merino mutton. Its flavor is second not even to the welsh mutton, and it is quito distinct from that of mutton of coarser varieties of sheep. The purebred animal is not a favorite with retail bu'chers from various reasons, but moat-proserving companies, operating on a larger scale, would soon find that, if they could ensure their customers in the London market a supply of this superior description of mutton, they would gain by the operation. In such a rich country as is England quality goes for much, and, although no doubt the providing of meat for tho general population should bo the* foremost care of our exporters, yet a higher proQt can alwa\ 8 bo made 'at of those who are willing to pay for a choice article. Tho writer of tho paragraph to which wo bava

-alluded draws attention to the scope fettle export of poultry, vegetables and f rui to meet the Bpecial wants of the Londoi market at particular seasons. This is t matter which will claim the consideratioi of shippers. The Home markets are no; all-devouring. There are seasons whei certain articles of food fall flat, and if will depend much on tho foresight of oni companies as to whether our food export trade is more or les3 successful. THE EXHIBITION. It is very evident by the report of the meeting held yesterday that Christchurch is about to enter into a series of dissipations which should be enough to frighten any staid Cathedral town out of its respectable sevon senses. There are to be races, coursing meetings, balls, outdoor sports, &c, &e., while, for the graver portion of the community a special series of scientific entertainments are to be got up. When a Cathedral city does go in for a " lark" it is generally a good one. The tighter the bow is strung the more violent the rebound. Tho gusto with which tho city magnates and others assembled yesterday laid themselves out was refreshing to witness. One almost expected them to organise a war dance or some other violent demonstration on the spot, the Mayor probably leading • off with the member for Christchurch North. The Exhibition time will evidently be a noted time in the annals of ChristcLureh. Little did the pious founders of tho province know what their offspring [would be capable of when come to man's estate. The child was so extremely good and demuro, that it was thought impossible that it would at any time commence to sow wild oats. Bat it evidently was only waiting for an opportunity, and the advent of Mr. Twopeny has sent it capering down the broad road, jingling it's loose cash in it's pocket, and keeping time to the rythmic strains of the Austrian Band. No doubt it will be extremely pleasant, but will it be right ? " It is pleasant to play the fool on fitting occasion," says the Latin proverb. But does this apply to such a very high-toned place as Christchurch ? Those who think that a cathedral city should never unbend, have at least one consolation. The first-class state of moroseness into which the place will relapse after tho Exhibition has closed will be refreshing to all minds regulated on a particular pattern.