THE MEAT OUTLOOK.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 May 1921, Page 10

THE MEAT OUTLOOK.

CONDITIONS IN BRITAIN. LAMB FROM AMERICA. London, March 3. Sheep and all they represent are probably being discussed on this side of the world just as much as they are in the Dominion. So far as frozen meat is concerned wholesale merchants are dubious as to the future; and very little forward business is being transacted. Producers in New Zealand, doubtless, realise how complex the situation is at present. Still there are points they are apt to overlook, being so far removed from their markets, and it is only those who are disposing of the produce at this end who are really in touch with all the facts. A conversation with Mr. H. E. Fairweather, agent in London for the Wellington Farmers’ Meat Company, has given me a wider knowledge of the troubles of the times—troubles which are probably known by those dealing with the business correspondence passing between this country and New Zealand, but not so generally known by the wool and meat producers. To those who looked to A meric i for a market, if Great Britain was not able to handle all the available meat of the Dominion, it must come as a surprise that a quantity of the lamb sol<i to that country by the British Government last year and conveyed direct from New Zealand to New York, is now back on the London market. For the time being, at. any rate, the United States has bought" more than it can consume, and 95,000 carcases were recently offered in London in 1000 carcases lots, at 12Ad per lb c.i.f., a figure less than the controlled price. A certain amount of “free” meat is coming forward, but with the competition of this United States meat, and the Government stock with, a wholesale controlled pirice for the “free” produce. Moreover, it must be remembered that the Government’s price of Is Id includes freight to any part of the kingdom, so that in calculating a price for “free” meat an average of |d per lb must be allowed for freight after arrival at the port of disembarkation.

Home grown meat is certainly selling for 2s 2d per lb, but it is questionable whether those accustomed to using the imported article are inclined to pay any more than the Is 5d or Is 6d they are at present paying the retail butcher. The war has taught people to be economical, the spending power of the nation has considerably diminished, and if people cannot a.fford a thing they go without it. An overstocked market and a passive resistance on the part of the buyers are bringing the prices of other commodities to a more economic level, and there is no reason to believe that the same thing will not happen in the case of frozen meat. Then again the housewife shows a careful discretion in the choice of a joint. “Have you not got a small joint?” is the continuous request. Hence the demand is passed on to the wholesale merchants for the economical light-weight animals. Inferior heavy-weight carcases are not welcomed. They continually say on the market “We A’ant small sheep.” So long as the price is what it is the public and the retailers will retain this preference. As for wholesale business, no London merchant will listen to market men who speak of large quantities. The future is too uncertain to carry on other than a hand to mouth policy. Where 20,000 or 30,000 lots were readily sold in the past the demand is for 1500 or 2000 lots to-day.