Prices Again Hiflher.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2525, 28 July 1915, Page 11

Prices Again Hiflher.

The market ui.'again firmer, and there seems to be no limit in the upward direction. 'Tlrreo shillings and a. penny is now the general quotation for C 4 s tops, while the tip-top article that mado this prico Inst week would not be offered at less than 3s. lid. to-day, and that only _ for delivery in five .months at the earliest. As much as 3s. 2d. has been paid for dry combed Gi's, but this ie only equal to 3s. Old. for tops in oil. The usual difference between the price of dry combed 64's and 64's in oil is tj<l. a lb.j but tho combers are to-day making a premium. The foreign demand, i.e., from Japan, France, Russia, and contain neutral - European eounti'.ion, hus town chiofly. for tho dry

cut oft by our War Trade Department's declaration last week.

So far this. declaration has done nothing to check the advance of merino tops, they having risen about a penny since it was made. The recruiting,boom still continues in the West Riding, and combers have to put up with still .further reductions of tlieir.incomplete staffs. Spinners are in the same circumstances, and many are hoping that the manufacture of wool in its later stages will be made slower, so that the mills employed oil combing aiid spinning can catch .lip with the demand. If they are to overtake consumption, consumption must be' less, because they cannot increase their output.

I'ifty-ojghts tops have risen to 2s. 10d.,' tiinl from -JG's upwards the call is very, strong. Even at to-day's level, when suck remunerative prices are possible, topmakers all round the market are reluctant to sell. Some firms do not now como on 'Change. They have sold enough. Others are quoting high in self-defence. Spinners would willingly put down big orders for December, January, and even February delivery if they could find makers to .accept them. More tlian one topmaker is sorry he has contracted so far ahead, for by selling lids output in spot lots he could make better figures. Of; course by selling forward lie may have disposed of his tops at a higher level than will be ruling when delivery falls due, ■