TRADE REPORT.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 716, 12 January 1903, Page 3

TRADE REPORT.

By Telegraph —Presa ABSOoiation. ■Wellington, last night Tho Department of Industries and Corn* tnerce has received a report from the New Zealand produce commissioner in London, in which he says that until tho beginning of August fair average shipments bad been arriving, and stocks were in reasonable compass. During August and September vory heavy shipments were received. This was not only from New Zealand, but also from River Plate. Both countries during August established records in the quantity received hero from them in any ono month since the commencement of tho trade. During the two months named tho number of carcases received from New Zealand was 595,675, and from Argentina 527,971, coming at a time of tho year when trade usually slackons. These supplies had naturally a consi rierable effect in depressing the market, and a large proportion of thorn were placed in the cold store. Had steady and regular shipments of mutton thon continued to come forward from New Zealand with even lessening quantities tho probability is that prices would have receded. This is more likely as continuously since the middle of August reports made by salesmen have been that trade was slow, with a dull demand. During October, however, the quantity arriving from

Now Zealand was less than half that received in September, and less than one third of that received in August. This was followed during November by the arrival of only 35,297 oarcases. At beginning of October reports were received from tho colony indicating that small supplies only might bo expected to be sent Home for some length of time. Immediately this was roalised by those engaged in the wholesale trado prices began to bo firm, and tho market became speculative, and while sales of mutton oft" the hooks at Smithfield could not be effected in any largo quantity at higher rates purchases commenced to bo made ox ship or iu store for forward delivery at rates equal tfa and' sometimes bighor than those ruling on Smithfield market. Of course, ns is natural 'when pricos such as those now ruling are realised, supplies from tho Continent ace sent forward in increasing quantity. A considerable number of Servian sheep have been received, many of them of

nferior quality; in some eases so bad j 3 to be condemned. It is reported also that mutton is coming from Hungary and ftouraania, During tho past three weeks the United States nave come into tho held as an exporter, and 5000 carcases nave Laa funded. They have been delivered in very good condition, bright in appearance and well dressed. About half were old owes of very good quality, tho other half being wethers with a strain of merino in them. The prico realised was about 4id for owes, and 4ijd for wothers. These prices are said to pay the shippers well,, and it was understood that between

5000 and 7000 more have been shippod. So long as the present high values rule, I am informed that the United States can continue exporting. A_ year or two small shipments of .. Allied mutton were attempted from America, but when introduced on the market hero it was found that customers wore net attracted owing to the rapidity with which the oarcases lost their bloom and became discoloured after being landed. From all I can gather, however, I do not think that the export of mutton from the States need be expected to be greatly developed, or to become of importance in competition with New Zealand in the frosen mutton trade.