191 2] The Provision Trade in January. 971 



2s. $d. Canterbury lamb fetched about 35. 8d. during the first three 

 weeks, but in the fourth some new season produce arrived which 

 made 45. per stone. 



Veal. — There was considerable scarcity of good veal in London, 

 and only in the third week were quotations for British less than 6s. 

 and 55. Sd. per stone for first and second quality. 



Pork. — There were full supplies of both British and Dutch pork 

 and trade was quiet. The former averaged 45. 2d. and 35. gd. per 

 stone for first and second quality, and the latter about 2d. per 8 lb. less. 



Late Markets. — At the Metropolitan Market on the 29th there was 

 no change in the value of cattle, but prime small sheep were dearer, 

 Southdowns realising g^d. per lb. 



There was a very slow trade for dead meat at the London Central 

 Market on the 31st, but there was no material change in prices. 



THE PROVISION TRADE IN JANUARY. 

 Hedley Stevens. 



Bacon. — The New Year opened with firmer markets for all descrip- 

 tions of long sides, and a moderate consumptive demand, but by the 

 end of January quotations were a little lower. All other cuts, 

 especially Cumberlands, bellies, and hams, were in very poor demand, 

 and prices showed greatly in favour of buyers. The demand for hams 

 at this time of year is usually small, but during the past month they 

 were practically unsaleable, and arrivals had to be placed in cold 

 store to await improved conditions of trading. The consumer is not 

 at present getting the full benefit of the lower prices which are ruling, 

 as owing to the fact that the retailer has been selling for many months 

 past at either cost or a loss, he is anxious to recoup himself as far as 

 possible before placing his prices more in line with wholesale values. 

 The arrivals of long sides from Denmark and Russia were fairly 

 free during the month, and at the prices demanded met with a ready 

 sale. On the other hand, the shipments from America and 

 Canada, although of moderate quantities, were more than sufficient 

 for the demand. Prices for spot goods are below those asked by the 

 packers, and in consequence there was very little, if any, contracting 

 done during the month. At all the American markets the receipts of 

 hogs continue much in excess of those at the same time last year. The 

 values at Chicago during the month ranged from $5.60 to $6.40, 

 against $7.60 to $8.25 last year, and $8.00 to $8.90 two years ago. 



English pigs are still offered in small quantities only, but prices 

 show little change. 



Cheese. — A moderate trade passed during the month, and there 

 was very little alteration in prices. Some holders tried to force up 

 the values of Canadians still further, and this cheese was dearer in 

 January than in December, in spite of the free arrivals of 

 New Zealand makes. At present spot prices are from 145. 

 to 175. per cwt. above those current at the same time last 



