Frozen Meat Trade.

Manawatu Herald, 25 June 1895, Page 3

Frozen Meat Trade.

Mr A. Towers, under date of May 17th, 1895, reports :— Since my monthly report dated April 19tb, the trade generally has continued in a mosfc unsatisfactory condition, and en comparison with the quotations I then gave, the pres« ent ones given below are even lower. Further arrivals have come to hand, increasing the already unmanageable 4tocks. The pressure upon the storage space is great as ever, and holders are accepting reduced values rather than incur extra charges for storage. With further arrivals near at hand, and other cargoes afloat there is at present no hope of any advance in prices, and there appears to be nothing in prospect but to expect the present ruinous values until stocks are considerably reduced.

Mutton.— There are plentiful sup* plies of all grades, and we have seen the very unusual circumstance of New Zealand Mutton being as low as Australian Mutton, and at the time of writing there are carcases of Nealand Mutton being sold at 2d per lb, The North Canterbury qualities Continue to hold then 1 position, aha* are relatively higher in value than others. In Australian Mutton sup-

plies are not excessive, and there is an absence of small carcases for which there is usually a fairly good demand.

La&b.-— There is a good enquiry for the best qualities of lamb, and but for the pressure of storage accommodation we should see a firmer tone in the trade. The present outlook is in favour of firm prices ruling later on. The weather is very favourable for a large consumption of lamb.

Beef. — It is most disappointing to have to record such low values as we see already. It is impossible to justify the forcing down such as we have seen during the last two or three weeks. Holders appear to handle beef in a most reckless way, and regardless of all considerations drive quotations down to an unnecessary low level. Shippers will scarce* ly credit that it was possible for such a depreciation to take place in so short a space of time. Bearing in mind that there are several cargoes $n route, the outlook is anything but encouraging, especially as oertain holders seem bent upon sending down. values to a lower range at once, "' The present quotations are : Mutton. Per 8 lbs* New Zealand, Best North Canterbury . . 2/ — 2/8 New Zealand, medium and good grades . . 1/4—l/10 Australian and Queensland Sheep . . 1/4-1/5 Lambs. Best North Canterbury 8/- - 3/2 ■■/ Beep. Queensland, Hind quarters 1/11—2/Fore „ 1/4-1/5