FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 317, 17 November 1888, Page 2

FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

The following extract from Messrs Nelson Brothers' (limited) letter, dated London, Bth September, 1888, to the New Zealand Refrigerating Company (limited), in reference to a recent shipment of beef from the Wai mate estate, and Messrs R. Campbell and Sons, Station Peak (nays the Otago Daily Times), shows that New Zealand beef is as much appreciated in Britain as New Zealand mutton, and that there is an excellent market for it : — " The beef has arrived in first-rate condition, except that a few quarters having torn bags, are a little soiled. This is not serious, however, and we are hoping that beforu long you will bo in a position to use stronger covers. When sending the meat into the country districts here we invariably use stout canvas covers, as clean, fresh delivery is most important, anil certainly enhances value. The 'Bell' brand is especially fine quality, and should sell well. We presume that the present prices obtained for this beef are satisfactory, — certainly as compared with what is often the fate of American consignments, it has done remarkably well, There is every reason to expect that a very large business will eventually be done in this beef, if the quality of the consignment is maintained and regular supplies sent forward. Every week the provincial demand increases ;the only difficulty at present is the London market, where the prices we want can only be obtained occasionally when American is scarce. Still some of the large London buyers are beginning to recognise the fact that the latter shipments from New Zealand have been well frozen, and are oertainly of good quality, and the condition more reliable than most American-killed meat. Any information you can give us as to the extent of future shipments from your district will be very useful to us, as we are now assuring buyers that we shall be able to continue to supply them for some time to come. Tongues.— These are very nice, and will sell in limited quantities at the price named in our report. It is difficult to suggest any improvement in dressing them beyond cutting the winds pipe closer and taking care that they are straightened out before freezing. If limited but regular supplies are sent forward a very fair trade might, be done in them. Tails are of course more useful during the winter months, when there would be no difficulty in moving considerable quantities at prices ranging from lOd to Is each, according to size. Hearts, — These are not wanted, and will hardly make money, The present price is 9d to Is each, but there is little or no demand."