THE PRODUCE COMMISSIONER'S REPORT.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11478, 10 January 1903, Page 9

THE PRODUCE COMMISSIONER'S REPORT.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION* TELEGRAM.)

WELLINGTON, January 9.

Mr Cameron, Inspector of New Zealand produce in London, reporting under date December sth, says:—"During the months of October and November the imports of butter into the United Kingdom, compared with those of the corresponding mouthy of last year, showed an increase of 69,698 cwt. The butter ex Whakataue, together with that received ex Paparoa, has been distributed, and given satisfaction" to buyers. The price at which these shipments have been sold lias been from 112s to 114s, with up to 116s for some of the selected parcels. The quantity, however, has not been sufficient to establish a price for Zealand butter, and the arrival of tlie Aotea this week, with the first sizeable shipments, has been looked for. It is confidently anticipated' by those in the trade that the price that "New Zealand 'butter will -valise will more closely approximate that of Danish than previously. "The cheese market continues firm at unusually high prices, which naturally curtail the demand somewhat. Fifty-nine and 60s per owt. are being paid for the finest Canadian cheese. It is reported that the exports of cheese from the provinces of Ontario and Quebec during this past season have amounted in value to £3,700,000, and have been the largest, since the industry was commenced. "The value of butter during the same period is given aa £1,640,000." Mr C. T. Sullivan, rabbit salesman, Christchurch, has received advice from London, dated November 21st, stating that at the sales of rabbitskins at that date, New Zealand skins were in sfiort supply, and the market opened briskly, but subsequently the demand fell away. Best New Zealand skins sold at an advance of id per lb, and other sorts were firm at previous rates.