LONDON MARKETS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12628, 16 October 1905, Page 2

LONDON MARKETS

Mi*. S. H. Graves, representative of W. and R. Fletcher, of West Smithfield, London, has received the following report, dated Septerrber 1:— Tho disappointing character of trade for fat stock has not changed to any appreciable extent, and although there aro now indications of some little improvement, they are probably due to causes more or less temporary. Values for good cattle and prime sheep are consequently maintained with some degree of firmness, but on secondary and inferior qualities prices aro easier. With supplies of States and Canadian cattle doming forward on a liberal scale, it has been found difficult to dispose of them as quickly as could be wished. The bulk of tho Dominion shipments are plain ranche beasts only saleable at very low rates. The prices current this week are:—3s 8d to 3s lid' for United States bullocks; 3s 7d to 3s lOd for good Canadians; arid 3s 2d to 3s 4d for ranchers. A few useful pens of American sheep made 4s to 4s (Jd, and mixed consignments of Canadians, mostly ewes, was anything from 3s 2d to 3s lOd per stone. The imports of foreign live stock and fresh meat for period ended 26th uit., are shown below, together with the totals for the corresponding period of last ytar:—Cattle: 1905, No. 362,081; 190-1, 358,610; increase No. 3471. Sheop: 1905, No. 145,567; 1904, No. 233,654; decrease, 87,787. Beef: 1905, 2,980,662 cwt.; 1904, 2,724,985 cwt; increase, 255,677 cwt. Mutton: 2,555,254 cwt. in 1905; 2,411,628 ewt. in 1904.; increase, 143,626 cwt. Pork: 1905, 299,212 cwt.; 1904, 345,871 cwt.; decrease, 55,659 cwt. FROZEN MUTTON.

New Zealand.—Demand has shown little or no improvement, but prices (although arrivals have been heavier than the preceding fortnight) have just about been maintained. The present firmness is due in a measure to the prices ruling for River plate sheep, which, notwithstanding the heavy arrivals this month, have recently been advanced l-3d per lb. There is now only id to 3-B'd per lb. difference between light weight New Zealand and River Plate sheep, and no appreciable difference in the value of heavy weights. Australian.—The only feature is the arrival of 2,791 carcases per Orontes months. A few of these have been marketed, and realised 3 3-8 d to 3Jd per lb. River Plate.—Notwithstanding heavy arrivals this month, prices have this week been advanced all round, indicating that the recent demand has been more active than it was generally supposed to be. The upward movement has checked sales to some extent, but there is a confident feeling that current rates will be maintained. Medium and light weights may be quoted at 3Jd to S 7-Bcf; and heavy weights 3 5-8 d per jb. Prices at Liverpool and other provincial markets are on a par with Smithfield. FROZEN LAMBS. New Zealand.—The unsatisfactory demand has caused sales to be pressed, with tho result prioss have still further declined. The supply of lambs weighing 43 lbs. and upwards is much in excess of present requirements, and although being offered at the same price) as small sheep, are not selling at all freely. With the season proper nearing the end, the probability of any improvement seems remote. Canterbury, 23 t0"36 lbs., cannot now be quoted at rr.ore than 5 3-8 dto sid; 36 to 42 lbs.. 4|d to 4 7-8 d; and 43 to 50 lbs., 4 3-8 d to 4£d. Other brands sell at nlmost the.l same price for medium and heavies, and tho lighter weights at about I-8d per lb. less. . "' . Australian.—None available. River Plate.—Small consignments, continue to arrive, for which there is only a very poor demand. FROZEN BEEF. '■'New' Zealand.—A rather better inquiry' has recently been noticeable, owing no doubt to lighter supplies of clulled descriptions. Values also show slight improvement. Hind quarters! now being quoted at 5 3-8 dto 3id, and •fore-quarters 2£d to 2 5-8 d per lb. River Plate.—Demand has ruled fair, particularly for fore-quarters, prices of which are per lb. firmer than last recorded, fiind-quarters are not selling so readily, and consequently haveshown little or no appreciation in value. Current rates are 3 l-8d to 3^d for Kind and 2 3-8 dto 2£d per lb. for fore quarters. Chilled.—Arrivals from U.S.A. have been lighter than for some time past, whilst River Plate importations have been fairly heavy. Values of the firstnamed have not shown any appreciable improvement on the fortnight, but prices have ruled firmer for the latter, "especially hind-quarters. A small consignment from New Zealand arrived this week per Kaikoura. The condition was too hard, being more or less fozen. Reports indicate that the temperature it was intended to bring it at bad to be lowered during- the voyagle, as there were signs of deterioration Prices realised are reported to bo about l-8d per lb. higher than frozen.