THE MEAT MARKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1924, Page 1

THE MEAT MARKET.

The New Zealand Meat I’rodmers licard has received the following letter iroin i|, Smith American Repie eot.ilive. I 2olh. .Inly. IfiJl : ‘-.Since last letter cold weather with severe frosts have hronght about a general scarcity of pasture all over the country and even tho he.sk feeding zones to tiie West have Mill'crcd much from the (ontinued iucleineut weather, lie-.t quality fat cattle have consequently been scan e w hile some small lots sent to tin* local market have hronght over 5.91 d per Kilo live weight-, at which figure these animals are mi id to le.se around £d sterling per head to the freezers at the present Jow prices ruling on the Smilhlield market. It looks as if prices are likely to decline in the mar future, in response to the values ruling on the home markets a.s the freezing companies have S>i‘Oli obliged io Imy cattle to till theil shipping space contracted though some have stated their intention to pay for the spam and not ship heel' to lose money. Aon will note that the value of continental heel' and good fat cows is in ill'll higher though according in cables in the press here there are proliabilities tlmt derm any may apply a protective lurid’ against beef or live stock imported into that, count iv. ( <msiderahle numhers of live cattle have lately boon shipped to K.urope though there is a likelihood of Jess being soul lor some months owing to the greater quantity of grass led cattle available in K.urope at this season of the year. Values for store steers are well maintained though breeding cattle are in less request and values are lower. There is still a good demand lor hoggets at high prices though there is every probability that they will he cheaper as this season’s lamb crop reaches the market.

The native papers published lengthy notes the other day icg.arding the shipment of New Zealand Sheep and Cm for the forthcoming International Show here', when I hope they will worthily respond to the, good name ol New Zealand stock, and figure well in the prize list. There is no use sending middling animals here as such are mil wanted though real good beasts be they either sheep or cattle are likely to bring satisfactory prices. The season's sales of pedigree cattle bred in the country have been very disappointing ns you will see lrom the Review, and importers of pedigree bulls are likely to have a disappointing trade. A letter .iust received by the New Zealand Meat Producers Board from its representative on the Continent contains interesting information relating to the condition of the meat market. The letter is dated Bth. August, IffcM. iVon’i Hamburg and contains the following:

‘'During July prices for live cattle have remained about the same as during June. Sheep advanced slightly, l’igs advanced steadily from the middle of the month. Good supplies are coming forward from inland producers During the summer months the imjeorts of live cattle and frozen meat have declined.

•‘Agrarian interests are now agitating for a turnover tax on the import of Dozen meat. It is thought generally that they will not be successful as it would tend to increase the prices of moat out of proportion. The low rate of meat consumption is receiving serious attention from the Department of Health who "ill use every means to keep prices down in order to make a meat diet within reach of the masses. The advance in prices of pigs during the last week is quite remarkable, especially considering the time of year. Last Monday's market in Berlin were well supplied, 9.500 of all grades were offered and nearly all 6old. Prime

pigs were sold up to 101(1 a lb live weight, for extra prime this price was refused. The import of frozen pork from V.S.A. is considerably less during summer. ‘•Hides. —The Government declined to lift the embargo on the export of hides, nevertheless prices have advanced and are now equal to world market rates, in some items over. The reason given for declining to lift the embargo on export is the fact that tanners would not- lie able to import sufficient of the hotter quality bides from the surrounding countries to meet their local needs. There is a market for Now Zealand Hides. ‘ Frozen Beef was offered wholesale. Price Argentine fore quarters lid; Price Argentine bind quarters old; Frozen Mutton, full carcases G|.” Ml WIWC3