OUR RECENT EXPERIENCE IN THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2654, 9 October 1882, Page 4

OUR RECENT EXPERIENCE IN THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

[FBOSI THE “ WEEXX.Y PRESS.”}

Wb are not by any means disposed to j 'in in the gloomy forebodings indulged in by many persons as to the future prospects of the frozen meat trade, caused by the low price obtained for tho mutton per ship Mataura. On the contrary, wo rather incline to the opinion that tho lesson which shippers have been taught has been obtained at a very cheap rate. That some of the tallow carcases should have sold for 4£d end 5d per lb is more a matter for congratulation than otherwise. If our stockowners will persist in sending what they know to be an unsuitable article, they cannot surely expect to realise remunerative prices. It has been amply demonstrated that carcases weighing 801bs would be tha moat suitable for the English tastes. In the face of such facts, we have shipped sheep weighing nearly twice that weight, and when they sell at 5d per lb, tho cry ia raised that there is about to be a collapse in the frozen meat trade, whereas a little inquiry would have shown that the fault lay with tho want of judgment displayed in putting unsuitable moat on board. We are aware of one large farmer having shipped 500 carcases, composed of old Lincoln ewes weighing over 1001 b each, remarking at the same time that if he realised 4Jd per lb in London the venture would pay. So that, after all, it matters little whether the meat is fat or otherwise, so long as a profit can be secured on the transaction. It is, however, a matter for regret that any but the very best descriptions of meat should be sent home at first, till the trade becomes thoroughly established. Referring to the low price at which the moat sold, it must not bo forgotten that it arrived at a time when meat was most plentiful in tho London markets, viz., in October, when sheep and cattle are in the primest condition on the after maths. Here, again, wa have learned s lesson worth remembering, viz,, that in the future wo will hove to time our shipments so that they will not arrive at seasons when home grown ia plentiful in the markets. Had tha Mataura’s cargo been landed in December or January, instead of October, the prices even for the tallow mutton would doubtless have been more satisfactory. The fact of the Australian mutton, ex Garonne, realising a better price per lb in the London market is no proof whatever of its superiority, as some would have us believe. But it is proof positive that the Australians have used more discretion in selecting the suitable kinds of sheep for shipment. If we have succeeded in showing the home people that New Zealand pastures, unaided by artificial food, can produce old ewes weighing 1201 b, the experiment will not prove an unmixed evil. If our home friends had *o complain that our mutton was too lean and muscular, and that our pastures were not capable of producing better, unaided by artificial feeding, then, indeed, wo would have every reason to feat a collapse of the frozen meat trade. Now that we have learned by experience that mutton not exceeding 80ib or 901 b in weight is what is wanted, we can meet the demand with greater esse than if tho standard were over 1001 b.

It has been asserted that a very fair profit is to be made oat of sending home fat mutton. The result of the sales ex Mataura do not confirm this statement, as we tbink is fairly demonstrated by the following comparison drawn from actual results. In comparison let u* take one of the ewe carcases which sold at 5d per lb in London, and see how such would compare with the same carcase boiled down in tho colony : 1201bs‘frozanm8at. Eoldatdjd per lb JS2 5 0 Deduct chargee, 3&d per lb ... 1 15 0

Clear profit per head 0 10 0 A sheep weighing liOlbs will approximately yield 531bs of tallow, worth at present prices in the colony 33a per owt., equal to 3id per lb. which for 53ibs, equal to £0 15 5| Value of legs „. 0 2 0 Value of offal 0 2 6

0 19 m Deduct coat of boiling down... 0 2 6

0 17 6* Showing a balance in favour of boiling-down equal to 7a 5 id per head. We have not estimated the value of the head and pelt, aa it would be equal in both cases. If wo are correct in our estimates, and we have taken pains to verify our figures, it will bo apparent that boiling down our old stock in the colony will leave a better margin for profit than selling them ’n the London market at 4Jd or fid por lb. It will be well for those interested in preparing stock for the London market not to presume too much on the satisfactory prices which have been, so far, obtained. It must not be forgotten that the past three or four years have been fraught with unprecedented lomos to tho English sheep owners to the eitent of millions, whereby the breeding flocks have been greatly reduced in numbers, which must naturally have affected the home-grown supply. Happily for the English farmers things have taken a turn for the hotter, and wo may look for a rapid increase in tho flocks of sheep, aud a consequent increase of butcher’s moat. Here, again, wo have a reason of sending only the very best meat, which will hare to coma into competition with the best home-grown. Wo may reasonably hope to boo freights considerably reduced, when it may bo found profitablu to sell mutton even at fid per lb. We are glad to notice that & movement is on foot for supplying storage in London for any cargoes of meat which may happen to arrive inopportunely. This is a stop in the right direction. It will prevent our agents having to force a market at any price. Again, steps will have to be taken to protect our trade against powerful combinations on tho part of London butchers and others. These are contingencies which have to be expected and which must be provided for. That we can supply a first-class article which will commands paying price, that the market is practically an unlimited one, and that No w Zealand is eminently suited for the raising and fattening of all kinds of stock, are foots which no one will venture to dispute. Such then being ad-

mitted, we here little to fear for the meat industry. The ball is at our feet. Letua (.hen avail ourselves of our opportunity with energy, guided by caution, and wa need fear no rivals.