268 



The Provision Trade in May. 



[JUNE, 



Scotch mutton, but the very small sizes that fetch fancy prices became 

 very scarce, and hardly quotable. Those on offer sold at Sd. to &%d. 

 per lb. The ordinary run of best Scotch were 48 lb. carcasses, and 

 these varied from yd. to y\d. per lb. An offer of \od. per lb. was roacta 

 for 1,000 of these carcasses for export to the Continent, but was refused- 

 English tegs made from 6d. to 6§d. per lb. 



Frozen Mutton. — This trade was much depressed, especially for 

 heavy sheep, and April prices of 3d. to 3^. per lb. were not exceeded 

 till the last week, when an advance of \d. per lb. was established. 



Carcass Lamb. — British lamb sold at moderate prices all the month,, 

 the average price being lod. and yd. per lb. for first and second quality,, 

 but large quantities were sold at little more than mutton prices- 

 Frozen lamb was also very cheap. The finest Canterbury did not 

 exceed 4§d. till the last week, when it advanced to $d. per lb. 



Veal. — There was little change in the value of English and Dutch 

 veal from that of April ; the best fetched 8%d. per lb. at Smithfield, with 

 lower qualities ranging down to 5c?. 



Pork.— There is always a limited summer demand for pork in 

 London, but supplies were too heavy in May, and in the third week 

 6d. per lb. was the top price, but smaller consignments in the last week, 

 caused the value to advance \d. per lb. 



THE PROVISION TRADE IN MAY. 

 Hedley Stevens. 



Bacon. ---During the month of May, especially during the latter half, 

 there was a much improved demand for all classes of bacon and hams.. 

 Prices early in the month were lower, and there was some accumulation 

 of stock, brought about by the much larger arrivals, especially from- 

 the United States of America, Canada, and Russia, but towards the 

 close of the month prices had hardened considerably. 



About the middle of May the best Russian sides were selling at 

 about 445. per cwt., and best Canadian at 495. to 565. per cwt. These 

 comparatively low prices materially improved the volume of trade, but 

 the conditions did not last long, and by the end of the month some 

 brands of both descriptions had advanced 6s. to 75. per cwt. The- 

 warmer weather was doubtless the chief factor in bringing about the- 

 higher prices, having improved the consumption of all cured meats, 

 especially hams. Some American hams showed advances on the month 

 of from 6s. to 75. per cwt. For the lighter weights, which continue 

 scarce, still higher prices must be expected, although this greatly 

 depends on the weather conditions. 



The shipments of bacon and hams from the United States and* 

 Canada for the month of May show about 55 per cent, increase over 

 last year, and this increase is likely to be maintained. Hogs continue 

 to be marketed in America in larger quantities, but with the reported 

 improved home consumption of bacon and hams, prices are on the whole 

 higher, both for the raw and manufactured article. Prices for hogs at 

 Chicago during May ranged from $5.35 to $6.40, against $9.20 to $9.80- 

 in May, 1910, and $6.75 to $7.45 two years ago. 



