NEW ZEALAND FROZEN MEAT.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1110, 31 July 1882, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND FROZEN MEAT.

The “ European Mail” says« “ Undoubtedly the most important and gratifying event in connection with the Australian Colonies since our last, has been the arrival in the East India Docks of the sailing ship Dunedin, after a 98 days’ passage, with 5000 carcases of sheep in first-class condition for the London market. The result was, of course, immediately telegraphed to the Colonies, and much satisfaction will be expressed at the complete success of the experiment. As for the Smithfield salesmen, they cannot speak too highly of the meat, which, as we write, is rapidly going into consumption. Tho first lot of 600 were put on the market May 27, and their bright color at once attracted attention. Heretofore the sales of Australian meat have been entrusted to one or at most two salesmen but on inspecting the carcases half-a-dozen first-class salesmen offered to take large quantities, and the whole was very soon disposed of at an average price of a little over 6d per lb. and this has been the ruling rate up to the present. Tho consignment, therefore, is likely to turn out a grand success for all concerned. What is chiefly remarkable about these sheep is their uniform excellence and uniform weight. The utmost care has evidently been taken not only in the breeding, but in the killing and dressing, and this was at once apparent to the London butchers when the flrat vanload was unpacked. The average weight of the sheep is 801 b., and a number that were sent over as speci. mens weighed over 1501 b. One put in the scales on May 31 weighed 1801 b., and another 1621 b. This is the kind of meat Englishmen require and will buy, and the retail butchers have had no difficulty in getting rid of legs and loins at lid and Is per lb. One salesman in the market was heard to say 1 that the Australians might keep their merinos iithe New Zealanders would continue to send home carcases equal to those per Dunedin.’ ”