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It will be seen from the foregoing Table that there has been a decrease in
the supplies at the Central Markets for the first time since 1893. A similar
falling off has occurred about every ten years since the market was opened,
the former occasions being in the years 1873, 1882, 1893.* Another cycle
being completed, a drop in the figures for 1902, or the current year, might
not have been unreasonably expected.
Whatever may have been the causes previously, those for last year are
clearly defined. Early in the year, the Australian firms who had been
sending mutton and beef to this country undertook to supply both in large
quantities to South Africa, but it was found that owing to the drought
Australian produce was of too inferior quality to comply with official
requirements, and the contractors consequently became large purchasers of
Argentine produce, thus greatly restricting our receipts from that source, in
addition to reducing those of Australian meat to vanishing point. Again, it
has been shown in a recent paper, that the surplus beef available for export
to this country from the United States is almost entirely dependent on the
harvest of maize, which is an essential necessity in producing it. The
maize crop of 1901 was at least half a failure, consequently the supply
of beef was small in quantity and poor in quality. These disturbing causes
are being gradually eliminated. The maize crop in America this year being
fairly good, beef is coming along in sufficient quantities, and this source of
supply is not likely to be greatly affected by the outbreak of foot and mouth
disease in the New England States, with the consequent stoppage of
shipments of live cattle from Boston, as the States affected are more largely
concerned in dairying than in beef-producing. Recent advices show that the
disorder is well in hand, and that speedy stamping out will probably be
effected.
The attempt to bring chilled beef from Argentina has met with encouraging
success, and cannot fail, with further developments, to have a beneficial effect
in the near future ; while the cessation of hostilities in South Africa, and the
opening up of Madagascar and other local beef-producing sources, have
brought supply and demand there nearer to meeting point.
The drought in Australia is said to be breaking up, and though, no doubt,
time is necessary to reconstitute their depleted flocks and herds, the Colonial
breeders are not willing to lose the market they have created here, and will
be expeditious in again sending their produce to England.
It is also encouraging to note that the home producer has been receiving
better prices for his meat, and it is hoped that he will thereby be stimulated
to increase his production, especially as it appears unlikely that the absurdly
low levels of recent years will be again reached.
*A decrease was actually recorded in 1878, but too small a one to affect the question.