191 1.] The Provision Trade in September. 621 



this beef sold relatively well, fetching an average of 5fd. to 6\d. per lb., 

 with a decline of %d. per lb. in the last week. 



Chilled Beef. — There was a small quantity of States chilled during 

 the first half of the month, and the best hindquarters fetched up to yd. 

 per lb., and forequarters 4J., but none afterwards came to hand. 

 The trade in Argentine chilled still feels the effects of the strike. A 

 very large quantity was frozen hard to preserve it, and this is now 

 being gradually sold at about id. per lb. less than that now arriving. 

 Hindquarters coming fresh to hand have appreciated in value, and 

 for the last two weeks the best have been making 5^. per lb. The 

 best fores have touched 3d. against 2.\d. in August. 



Frozen Beef. — Frozen beef was a quiet trade and steady in value, 

 the best hinds selling at an average of qd. per lb. and fores z\d. 



Carcass Mutton — Fresh-Killed. — The mutton trade was very slow, 

 and at times much depressed. Very large supplies of sheep and lambs 

 came from Scotland, also from Holland and the west of England, and 

 sales were often forced at extremely low rates. The best Scotch never 

 exceeded 6|d. per lb., and good English sold at $^d. Dutch being of 

 similar value. 



Carcass Lamb. — No British lamb fetched more than yd. per lb., 

 and the best New Zealand was generally worth 5Jd., Australian $d., 

 and Argentine rather less. 



Frozen Mutton. — The best New Zealand mutton sold steadily at 

 /\\d. per lb., and Australian at 3f<2., fluctuations in value being very 

 trifling. 



Veal. — Good veal was scarce in London, and in the third week 

 both English and Dutch of choice quality fetched up to gd. per lb., 

 but suddenly returned to Sd. in the last week. 



Pork. — During the colder weather there was a good demand, and 

 with a small supply in the third week good English went up to yd., 

 but the average for the month was from $\d. to 6d., according to size 

 and quality. 



THE PROVISION TRADE IN SEPTEMBER. 

 Hedley Stevens. 



Bacon. — As anticipated in my last review, prices have steadily 

 declined, more especially on all American cuts, and in some cases the 

 drop has been as much as 75. to 85. per cwt. This has been brought 

 about for the most part by the consignments of American meats, which 

 were delayed on account of the dock strike, and got out of condition, 

 necessitating the acceptance of low prices to effect a clearance. Three 

 auction sales were held in Liverpool to assist in the quick disposal of 

 these goods. Arrivals from all countries have been larger during the 

 month, and this has, of course, had the effect of lowering prices. 



Values in America have also declined, there having been a con- 

 tinued increase in the number of hogs marketed, and consequently 

 lower prices for the raw material. Packers must now have fair stocks 

 on hand, so that we may anticipate still lower prices in that country 

 and in Canada. Prices for American hogs are now well under those 

 current at the same time last year, the range during the month of 



