COMMERCIAL ITEMS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1231, 13 September 1911, Page 8

COMMERCIAL ITEMS.

, INVESTMENT SHAKES. ~,s ha rcbrpkers a PP ear t« be doing very little business just now, and even investment shares axe quiet. A .single sale was recorded yesterday. Wellington Gas rights changing hands at 4d. The buying and selling quotations were as under:-. Buyers. Sellers. £ -s d. £ 6 . d. National Bank 6 10 — Equitable Building 9 12 6 9 17 6 Metropolitan 12 5 0 12 10 0 N.Z. Loan and Mercantile — 017 9 N.Z. and River Plate .:.... 2 0 6 - Well. Investment 0 12 0 — Well. Trust and Loan ... 7 9 0 Auckland Gas -....-. 3 8 0 — Christchurch Gas 9 12 6 9 14 0 Foilding Ga5....... 12 3 12 9 Gisbome Gas — -3 10 Napier Gas 12 0 0 — Well. Gas (new) 2 15 0 3 0 0 Well.- Gas (rights) 0 0 3 - Christchurch Meat — 1512 6 Union Steam „ — 2 16 Wo!l. Steam ■ Ferry — 0 18 0 Well. Woollen (pref.) 2 18 6 '■' — Hikurangi Coal ~. 0 19 6 10 6 Taupiri Goal ....: 1 ) { _ Lcyland-O'Brien 18 6 - — Manning and Co 3 15 0 4 0 0 Mauricevillc Lime — 017 n N.Z. Con. Dental - 133 New Zealand Drug 2 9 6 — N.Z.-Paper Mills — 113 Sharlandls ordinary — 14 9 Tnranaki Petroleum — 0 18 6 Tanngamutu Totara — 2 5 6 Ward and Co — 5 10

DAIRY PRODUCE REVIEW. In their review of tno dairy produco trade for the year ended June 30 last, Messrs. W. Wedded and Co., give figures showing that Canada; Holland, Germany, Italv, the United States and Argentina aro s'teadily reducing their oxports cf butter to the United Kingdom, that Australia and Swc.den arc increasing their shipments, and that Denmark, New Zealand, Russia,' Franco and Norway remain practically stationary m their supplies. During the past ten years the proportion of butter imported irom tho British oversea Dominions has risen from one-seventh of the total imports to over one-fourth. Ten years ago the import was 27,235 tons, and for the past year 61,028 tons, an increase of 124 per cent., while foreign increased in the same interval from 165,072 tons to 161,767 tons a growth in the ten years of only 1 per cent. During these ten years. .Canadian supplies have fallen from 11.491 tons to 7(6 tons, while New Zealand supplies have risen from 8295 tons to 15.7C5 tor*. The greatest progress, however, in this period has been made, by Australia, which has increased its supplies by six-fold, making themnow.half as much as those from Denmark, while ten years since the proportion was not quite a twelfth. The outstanding SLrti.- th M Past year ' s tradiflß was - undoubted!:,, tho enormous increa.so in the amount of butter shipped from Australia. 'tli, "Bard to quality the "Review" says:- There was no fresh development as regards the quality, of New Zealand butter for the past season, except that the amount treated by pasteurisation was largely increased. It, maintained its nor: mally high character, with the exception or a few brands arriving in January and February, which were more or less affected by nshincss. Probably, the temporary defects, then observed were to some extent due to the droughty weather which pre-vailed-for a time in parts of the Dominion Australian butter maintained its previous character and euality without any partic.ular advance being noted. Although tho large increase in the make must have required far mora employees than formerly, there were 110 signs of deterioration in quality arising from the employment of inexperienced butter-makers, a result which is a triumph for the factory managers of the Commonwealth, whoso skill and powers of organising must have been- severely tested.' Messrs. Weddeland Co. give tabulated figures showing the average price of Australian butler throughout the year— July 1, 1910, to June 30, 1911-to have been 105s. per cwt., and of New Zealand 109.=. 4d., being decreases of 6s. 9d. and 6s Id. respectively compared with tho average prices of the previous year. Commenting on these iijures, they say:-"When it is pointed out. however, that for the eight months-September, 1910, to April. 1911-wi-on Australian and New Zealand butters were in the greatest supply, the total amount of other butters on our market was 4114 tons in excess of the corresponding eight months in the previous year, the \vond"r is that the average prices for the past reason have not been more largely reduced " With regard to Australian cheese, Messrs Wcddcl and Co. state the imports in "the year amounted to 6!7 tons, an increase of 410 tons compared with the previous ycr and it is expected that next season'" ii fui'tlier increase will bo made. Some of the Australian cheese, especially that made in the cooler regions of the Commonwealth nearly approached some of the New Z<-a land in respect of quality ,and in -i few years there is no reason why it should not be equal. In closely-settled districts, K hcro a cool temperature exists. Australia might do. well by making cheese for export to Ihi, 5 fv,'i "JV. SUppMOS from Canada, an 1 tho United States uro more likely to do clico gradually than to increase,

BRITAIN'S EXTERNAL TRADE. WITH REFERENCE TO DOMINION. Tho following statement relating to tho external trade of the United Kingdom in the first, half of 1911, with special reference to New Zealand. Compiled by tho Board of Trade, London. The talnl values of the merchandise imported into ami exported froifi the United Kingdom during the six months ending June 30, 1911, were as follows:— £ Imports 334,124,000 Exports— United Kingdom produce 2Z3.668.CC0 foreign and Colonial produce 54,887,000 The value of United Kingdom produce exported in tlie six months exceeded by 9.3 nor cent, the value of the exports in the first six mecths of 1910; and the values of merchandise imported and of foreign and rolonial produce exported fell short of the figures for 1510 liy only 0.1 per cent, and 0.8 per cent, respectively. The figures for both imports and exports would naturally have been rather higher but. for the Coronation holidays. It diould be borne in mind, too, that although the prices of many commodities were somewhat higher in the first, half of 1911 than in tho firsthalf of 1910, the prices of certain important commodities-ospeciallv rubber and sugar—were much lower. The following figures as to rubber may be fouud interesting:— Quantity 'imported into • "price the United Kingdom. Value. per Jam-June 1910 ... 502,5™ 10,415,000 22.3 Jan.-June 1911 ... 467,400 10,415,000 22.3 It will be seen that a decrease of about 7 per cent, in o.uantity was accompanied by a. decrease of 36 per cent, in value, the i-? r /! e K per owt - having fallen from -otA to £i 2.3. In the case of sugar there was a decrease of 317.000cwt. only, or 1.7 per cent, in the quantity imported, while the value decreased by £3,154,000. or nearly u per cent. A decrease of about £lj millions in the value of Soya beans imported is no doubt attributable to the prevalence ol plague in Manchuria. Owing to tho resumption of normal importations of raw Sn°nfnS? t hc \ e was , an increase of nearly £11,000.000 in the value of the imports of this article. The value of cotton yarn and cotton textile fabrics exported increased by a. little, over £10,CCO,CCO. The total values of the merchandise imported into tho United Kingdom from New Zealand and exported from tho United Kingdom to Now Zealand during the first six months of each of the years 1910 and 1911 were as follow:1910. 1911. . Thousand £'s. Thousand £'s imports into the United Kingdom from New Zea'aJl'l ■■■ • 14,755 13,143 Exports from the United Kingdom to New Zealand:— Of United Kingdom n ? r £ duc - e •■-"-•• 3,755 ' 4,544 Of Foreign and Colonial produco 367 364 Thus the imports from New Zealand fell Sncl LT'r IMm ,' thc most noticeable Bni ■ .? IDE Ino1 no of noaTl y JEI.CCO.OCO BterImg in the value of the imports of wool. value I, P v or nL,? £ ow Zoa!aild increased in Me, w y A° ut thr ee-quarter 3of a million o eilmg. Among tho principal imports and exports wore the following : T Articles .Value.' Imports from New Zealand ending'ju'n'e'lso 1910. 1911. &r n ' fr ° ZOn ' -H3J6 £ COO 2.46W00 £.""£ 1.534.CC0 1.192.CC0 Wool, ahceps or lambs'... 7,4C0,0CD 6 463 CCO Tallow, unrefined and I ' M - U ' U - U o.'.m.u.u 6tcarinc 454.C00 398,000 0 "' Z ° a!and (VDitci Kin & dom Articles. y alu6i Six months ending June 30. ■ ■ ■ 1910. 1911. Iron and steel manufactures thereof (so far as extinguished .in the monthly'accounts) 445ce0 . wm &en PI T n d B °°wor s teT' . 3 «° tissues (including car- 1 \npiref Ud CaTPCt r " Bs) " 189 - 000 256.C00 - lpparc ' 1 237,000 290.CC0 Customs duties collected at the port of m. 4d E D Jestwda y amounted to £2729

WELLIiXGTOJ," MARKETS. rennrt^^i aui - Co - Ui - Wellington, Kot as ™rter : -Wheat. good whole fowls', 4s. 3d to is. (A. bushel; oats, gojd fed. •is. 6d.; oats seed white, 3s. Bd.; oats, seed Algerian Victorian, 3s. 9d.: rye wfc 3 V d ,'J m ?, ize ' 3s - 3d - t0 3s > sd -: fowls' barley, 3s. 3d.; Cane..3s. 6d: : crushed malt, Imu i ! P? T Jnd)ro ocas, 4s. 6d. to 4s. 9d.: pollard, £6 ss. to £6 10s. per ton; bran. £5 J s *™ 0 P : , flo il r, ., Atlas ' ~ 9 5s - 6d -: chaff, oaten sheaf, £5 15s. to £6 55.; rice flour, *s 15s. per ton; rice meal. £4 15s. per ton; potatoes, table £4 to £4 ss. per tonpotatoes, seed, Up-to-Datcs, £5 nor ton; Beauty of Hebron, £9 per ton; Earlv Rose. £9 per ton; Northern Star, £5 per ton ;'onions. £7; boncdust, £5 155.; basic slag, £4 ss. to £4 10s.; superphosphates, £4 15s. to £5; oatmeal; £14' 10s.; rolled oats in 4's, 9s. 6d. dozen; cheese, medium-sized, 6Jd. per lb.; loaf, 6»d. to 7d. per lb.; butter, Is.; fresh eggs, IOJd. to lid. per dozen; honey, 55's bright, 4d. lb.; linseed nuts, 13s. per cwt.; linseed cake, crushed, las. 6d. per cwt.; bacon, sides B}d. per lb.; bacon, rolls, 91d. per lb.; hams. 9d. per lb.; fowls, hens ss. to 45., young roosters 3s. 6d. to 55.; ducks. 4s. 6d. to ss. all at per pair; turkeys, cobblers Bd. to 9d. ner lb. live weight, hens 6d. to 7d.

TRADE IN ALLEN STREET. Fruit.—The Xavua is duo from Fifi tomorrow with the usual monthly shipment 'of bananas, -which will reach a bare market, and should, therefore, realise satisfactory prices. The Manuka, due from Sydnoy today, is bringing a much smaller consignment, than was received last week; the shipment comprises' mandarines, oranges, passion fruit, and Seville oranges. Further supplies of Tasmanian apples are duo on Friday per Mocraki. Vegetables.—With the exception of pumpkins, all varietico of vegetables are in heavy supply, and-much lower rates arc ruling. Punipkiii3 are bringing 10s. to 13s. per sack. Butter.—The market is easier, prime bulk being now worth Is. per lb. Fresh eggs are in short supply, and realise 10} d. to lid. per dozen. Cheese—Best factory is sclline at 6Jd. to 6Jd.; loaf, 6?d. to 7d. Lard is in fair demand; bulk, Bd. per lb.; pots, Bid. Margarine—Australian ha-s fair inquiry, at Bid. to 9d. Hams and bacon are unchanged; sides BJd., rolls 9jd., and hams 9d. per lb. Poultry is in good demand. Hens, 4s. to ss. per pair; cockerels, ss. to 66.; ducks, ss. to 65.-, turkey gobblers, Sd. to 9d. per lb. live weight; hens, Cd. to 7d. Baled Hay—Meadow, £4 ss. to £4 10s.;i clover, £5 10s. to £6. Baled straw is in good demand, at 655. Fowls' Barley meets with slightly better inquiry, at os. -3d. to 3s. 4d. per bushel. Cape barley is dull of sale, at os. sd. to 3s. 6d. per bushel. Maize is in moderate demand, at 3s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. per bushel. Onions.—Victorian aro realising 6s. 6d. to 7s. Supplies of Californian aro due per Aorangi on Thursday. Potatoes.—New potatoes ave bringing 4d. to 5d per lb. for good samples; hcavv supplies are available of table "Up-to-Date" potatoes, for which the current quotation is £4 to £4 ss. Dor ten; Derwents. £4 10s to £5. Reed potatoes: TJp-to-Date. £5 pe'r ton; Beauty of Hebron and Early Rose £9Northern Star, £5. Rice meal has fair inquiry, at £4 15s. per ton. and rice Hour. £5 15s. Bran is in short supply; the current price is £5 Ills, to £5 15s. per ton. Pollard is in fair demand, at £6 5= ev store. - " . Flour.—Millers are declining to book forff.aril ?o rdcr3 - T llc Option is unchanged, at £8 10s. per ton f.o.b.- south. Oatmeal.—ln sympathy with the advanc m oats, this has risen, and is now quoted at £15 per ton ex store Wellington . Rolled oats aro steady, at 9s. 6d. 'to 10s per dozen. • Oats.-The highest price reached for some considerable time is now ruling the present quotation being 3s. per bushel f.o.b. south for "A" grade Garlone. ' SYDNEY WOOL SALES. fly Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright .<• . f Wnw, September 12. A feature of yesterday's wool =alcs was a decline of 5 per cent., in faulties. ~Good sorts were slightly easier. FROZEN MEAT. 'By Telegraph.—Press Association! t. rl, ■ Chrlstpliurch, September 12. Tno following London cablegram has been received by the British New Zealand 1W Company :-"Mut(on-Canterburv. 33d .„ 4}d. per lb.: North Island, 33d. 'Lamh-r-ii. tcrbury. 5»d.: North Island, 5 UGd. Beef hinds, odd.; fores, 2{d." ' CANTERBURY PRODUCE PRICES. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Christchurch, September 12. In wheat there is not much business being done locally, but the indications aro that the market is inclined to be easier in sympathy with prices ruling in the London market. Oats continue firm, but arc almost unobtainable. Denvcnt potatoes are reported to be scarce, but Up-to-Datcs are staled to be plentiful, and arc now quoted at 40s. to 455. in sympathy with the reduction that has taken place in other parts of the Dominion lmttor'is now quoted locally at a penny per pound less than rates recently ruling. factory butter being quoted at Is. 2d. to Is. 3d., separator do., at Is.; and dairy do., at lid.