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98
There is always a good show of sheep at Islington, but we regret to say
that the abnormally high prices of 1906 and 1907 had so stimulated
production that the amount realised for them this year has been frequently
unremunerative. Carcases of the primest mutton were sold during the
early months of the year at little if anything over 6d. per lb., a price which
—considering the time, labour, and money expended upon them—cannot be
regarded as satisfactory. Then, during the early summer months things
improved, only to fall away again, and the close of the year has seen a very
low level of prices; but, as that is largely attributable to the heavy influx of
frozen mutton from New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina during the
summer months, which as the year closed had to be cleared at almost any
price, it is hoped that we shall soon see an improvement.
Of pigs there has been a good supply throughout the year. Commencing
at a comparatively low price the trade became firmer up to the summer, when
there is little doing in pork. The resumption in September saw a level of
prices considerably in advance of those which have been obtained of late
years, and this condition of things has continued to the close of the year. It
is gratifying to note that a much smaller number of diseased pigs have
been sent, though it would be too much to argue from this that there is a
diminution of tuberculosis.
2. British Country-Killed.—There has been a steady supply of English
beef from Norfolk and other producing centres throughout the year, and the
prices realised for it have been satisfactory. The excellent crops of turnips
both in England and Scotland have helped to produce some excellent
beef and mutton during the closing months of the year. For the Christmas
market a large quantity of beef was sent, some of which was really splendid;
but the Christmas week was one which many would be only too glad
to forget. Opening on Monday, December 20th, there were 3,917 tons
of meat sent in, being a close approximation to the largest quantity
ever received at the Central Market in one day, the record being held
by 21st December, 1896, when 4,159 tons were delivered. The weather was
clear and cold, and with a brisk demand most of this was sold at excellent
prices. Both salesmen and senders seem to have thought this was to
continue, consequently, on Tuesday there was again a large supply which at
first sold well ; then the trade dragged and became so heavy that it only
needed the change to mild, wet weather, which came on Wednesday,
to convert it into a regular slump, from which there was not, and could not
be any recovery. To add to the difficulty a large shipment ot Argentine
chilled beef came, which has a painful propensity for coming heavy just
when it can do most harm. This monopolised the attention of the dealers in
low priced meat, who might otherwise have assisted to clear the home
produce at some price, and so completed the demoralisation of the market.
The Christmas week will long be remembered as one of the most disastrous
on record.