A RECORD YEAR.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 237, 17 May 1928, Page 1

A RECORD YEAR.

FROZEN LAMB TRADE. In a general survey of the influences that a fleet or! the fat lamb markets in the United Kingdom during the past year, and the fluctuation of prices that was recorded during that period, the annual review issued by George C. Kean and Co., London, states that all past records in the history of the frozen lamb traid-e were broken by the total imports during 19127, the receipts from Australia, New Zealand, and h?outli America amounting to the substantial figure of 10,228,331 carcases, thus showing an increase of 1,397,530 on the 1926 arrivals.

A record quantity arrived from New Zealand during 1927, the total imports being 5,340,1(52 carcases, or an increase of 353,656 on the figures of the previous 12 months. The stocks of old season's lambs carried over from 1926 were comparatively light, and only moderate supplies came to hand during January, consisting mainly of North Island new season's lambs. The quality of these was not quite up to the usual standard, but, as in the case of mutton, a more serious drawback was the faulty dressing occasioned by labour difficulties at the works immediately they opened. Selling was somewhat hampered by this defect, and-, although first arrivals realised lid a lb. for prime Downs under lost favour, and prices, especially for have to heavier beef production is a 561 b. and 10£d a lb for crossbreds, values quickly fell away to 103 d a lb. Easing In Values. During February a decided improvement in quality was noticeable, some of the Down lambs were maintained at 103*3 alb for new season’s Canterburys until towards the end of the month, but the release then of accumulate supplies, ex several vessels held up by fog. rather overstocked the market, and this, combined with the anxiety of some sellers to affect sales, resulted in a considerable easing in values. New season's Canterbury lambs made their appearance about this time, the first recorded quotation being 103 d a lb, but one or two small first arrivals realised up to lid. Plentiful supplies still came to hand in June, and the demand, apart from that for light-weights having slackened per lb. The knowledge of heavy shipments afloat caused buyers to adopt a cautious policy of only purchasing sufficient for immediate requirements, and price.: commenced to fall, the very large March imports (over 525,000 carcases) giving fresh impetus to the decline, and by the end of that month values were fully 13d per lb. lower. In April and May, although arrivals were still heavy, there was an easing off in quality as compared with March, and a good demand persisting throughout the period it was possible to maintain prices; in fact, in the latter month North Island values are appreciated slightly, being assisted by the greatly improved* provincial demand. There was at this time a very strong inquiry for light-weights, almost irrespective of quality, and in consequence South Island lambs, with their somewhat heavier average weight, did not reap so much advantage as did North Island carcases. Plentiful supplies still came to hand in June, and the demand apart from that for light-weights, having slackened, prices moved slowly downwards. Arrivals were again heavy in July, 823,650 carcases being imported, and while Canterbury prices were more or less maintained at the previous month’s level. North Islands fell 3d per lb., the result of the arrival on the West Coast of four vessels carrying nearly 250.000 carcases for provincial requirements. Vessels Delayed. August arrivals were close on 450,000 carcases less than in July, but this was due chiefly to slight delays to carrying vessels, and September imports were in consequence heavier than is usual. Prices in the former month were comparatively steady so far as Canterburys were concerned, while North Islands recovered from the July setback and advanced to within 3<l per lb. of Canterbury quotations. Both descriptions felt the beneficial effects of the better demand during September, and values rose steadily throughout the month and also in early October, although arrivals

wore still heavy for that time of the year. Increased home supp’ies on Smithfleld market were, however, beginning to have their effect on demand, and by tho middle of October, these had reached very substantial proportions, in consequence of which frozen lambs rather North Islands, became somewhat easier right through November. Homo supplies were less plentiful in December, particularly in the last week of the month when weather conditions hampered marketings, and for prime Canterbury lambs there was a good inquiry, the year .losing with those quoted at lOj.l per lb., a point they had not touched since the end of February. On the other hand, there was less inquiry for North Island lambs, and values were weaker throughout the last month of the year. A few parcels of new season’s North Island lambs were marketed just prior to Christmas, and the general quality an.l dressing were quite satisfactory. The opening price was Is per lb. but at this figure no great response came from the trade, and values soon fell to 111*1 to 11 id per lb.