FARMING & COMMERCIAL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 130, 19 February 1918, Page 8

FARMING & COMMERCIAL

NEWS AND NOTES.

YORKSHIRE LETTER

DISTRIBUTION OF AUSTRALIAN WOOL

(From Our.Special Correspondent.) / Bradford 1 , December 13. _ It is officially announced that thero is to be a distribution sale of colonial wools to tho civilian woollen trade at fixed prices on January 10, 1918. Is this tno beginning of a regular series of London sales? Well, a one day's catalogue, comprising 8973 bales, cannot bo regarded as a series, but it can be looked upon as a sale. No one knows what the character of the offerings will be, although it does not seem to be expected that they will bo on the guod side. A Government official who is closely associated with this sale, told the writer a few days ago that there will be a good deal of "muck catalogued, but that term needs a little qualification and amplification. The fleece wools may bo on the burry side, and the crossbred probably will comprise mostly Australian and not New. Xenland wool, but whether the wools be good, bad or indifferent, it is as well that they be'distributed in the, old way, thus giving buyers the opportunity of securing what tiiey want. Conditions of Sale. Buyers arc confronted with now; conditions' of sale, and they offer a very sharp contrast to those in operation up to last April. The following is the official announcement regarding the, conditions of 6ale :— Australian Wool. 1. A distribution of Australian wools to the civilian woollen trade, at fixed prices, will take place in London on January 10, 1918. The wools will be on show for examination on January 7, 8, and 9. Catalogues can be had in due course on application at the offices of the committee of London Wool Brokers, 42 Wool Exchange, London, E.C.2. The allotment is for the rationing period, December to March next, and the wools will be valued and issued on the basis of ,the new issue price which came into force on December 1. 2. Intending purchasers should submit their sub-certificates to the secretary of their Rationing Cmnmittee, who will forward them to the Raw Materials Department, which will issue the licences to purchase., 3. The distribution will be held in the Wool Sale Rooms, Coleman Street, London, E.C., on Thursday, January 10. from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p,m., and Will be resumed at 2.30 p.m. 4. No warehouse charges will be payable bv the buyer, whatever the date on which "the wools are collected from the warehouse! unless the delay should be due to any fault on the part of'the consignee. ' . 5. Free delivery to first destination will be given. 6. Buying brokers may select wools on behalf of consumers, under the terms of thp circular issued by this committee on October 25. 7. Prompt payment fourteen days from date of sale. Delivery will be given against: remittance on recount, pending completion of invoices, at the rate of ,£3O per bale. 8. To meet the difficulty of buyers who are unable to furnish detailed claims, the Distribution Officer will accept approximate estimates of purchases, but it. is essential that these should bo sent in to the Distribution Officer in the sale room not later than 1 p.m.. in order that the remainder cf the distribution mar be adjusted correctly. Final and accurate claims (in_ duplicate) must be handed to the committee of the London Wool Brokers before 6 p.m. on day of sale. The address cf the Distribution Officer is as follows:—Room 554, Caxton House, Tothill Street, Westminster, London, S.W., 1. i 9. The quantity for distribution amounts to 8973 bales, comprising the following descriptions:— Pieces and Fleeces Bellies Lambs Bales. Bales. Bales. Merino grease 2,985 1,532 194 Merino scoured 6-45 1,336 197 Crossbred grease 624 424 131 Crossbred scoured ... 510 231 IG4 Export Trade Vanishing. In the last official report of the wool textile conference'that took place at the War Trade Department last week, there appears a very significant statement. Mr. T. Jones is reported to have said: "The export trade, which had taken 60 much building up, and which ought to form part of the after-the-war policy, appeared to be on the eve of vanishing, and would undoubtedly be taken by other countries who were making serious attempts to get the trade formerly done from this, country-or from Germany." The above ere certainly words of warning which cannot very well be ignored, especially when for the first ten months of this year our textile exports in manufactures of wool amounted to .£44,982,424'. Of course, the crux of the question lies in luck of freight both inward and outward, especi&lly in regard to bringing home raw wool. The writer was informed by a leading manufacturer a few days ago that Australian mills were putting upon their own market good cloths at Ss. per yard which could not possibly be produced on this side under 125., due to being able to buy wool at a sensibly less price per clean scoured pound. There was also the 6aving of freight both ways, which to-day figures out to a considerable amount, and it is also a fact that American manufacturers with their "plentiful supply of wuol are to-day exporting woollen and worsted piece goods to markets abroad which in past years have been entirely dominated by British and German-made fabric. To be very candid, British mills to-day ate not in a position to do a successful overseas trade, and unless the largo quantities of piece goods which are to-day held up on neutral account can be released, British manufacturers and export houses will be in a stilt worse position until the war finishes and wool comes to hand more freely. Everything points, as Mr. Jones said, to our overseas trade "vanishing," while American mills in particular are naturally etraining every point to capture such valuable markets as the Far East, and South America. In fact, hoth South African and Australasian wholesale houses are having to obtain supplies of underwear fabrics from both Japan and the United States.

Control of Trade After the War. During tho past week or two, a good (leal of discussion has centred around a.Government measure which isjenown as the Imports and Exports (Temporary Control) Bill, which lias for its object the placing in the hands of the President of the Board of ■ Trade full power to direct imports and exports for three years after the xar. This seems to many in the trade to be a very lnrgo order, and the most astdnnding thing of all is that one or two chambers of commerce have approved of the measure. Has not the trade had enough of Government control already? One of our daily papers this week used the term "revolution," while speaking on tho textile trade and what has been inflicted upon it by the present measure. That seems to us to be strong language, and yet everybody is trying to carry on under tho present conditions, annoying as many of the regulations aro. But why the present state of affairs should be continued for three years after the declaration of peace is beyond the comprehension of any sane man. An important meeting of flic Wool Textile Association took place hist week, when it was decided to send a deputation to see tho President, of the Board of Control as to what tho Bill actually means. Does it mean control as we seo it to-day, or simply the determination of destination of raw materials as well as' fully manufactured articles? We aro confident that the trade is quite prepared to submit to Government control so far as the destination of wool and its products is concerned, but it is unthinkable that the Imperial Government will commandeer all w,ool supplies and decide distribution of raw materials as well as exports. The point, has been raised: Will Australasian pastorolists submit to the present measure of purchase when their cousins in South Afrioa are allowed a free market and are making to-day

prices almost double what Australasian pastoralists are receiving at the hands of the Imperial authorities. It is quite true that both Australian and New Zealand wool-growers have proved themselves to be more loyal to the Motherland than those in South Africa, but conditions are somewhat different. Itseems to the writer as if there is need for a clear and definite announcement as to the purposes of the Bill named. AVn can quite conceive of the trado being willing to support a policy -which ailows llio' resumption of wool auctions in Australasia and London on the same linos as obtained hi pro-war days, but that the Imperial authorities should have some sny regarding- the destination of the wool. That certainly is imperative, hut absolute State control invested in cue man will never be tolerated. ,

RAILAGE OF LIVE STOCK

DEPUTATION TO RAILWAYS MANAGER,

A deputation from the Manawatn Livo Stock Auctioneers' Association waited on the General Manager of Railways in reference to the shortage of trucks available for the up-country districts. It was pointed out that the inability of the Department to meet the requirements of the slieep farmers was causing serious loss and inconveniences to breeders, and to those who wished to feed oil their crops of rape and turnips before the crops were attacked by blight. The trouble was particularly serious in regard to lambs which are" liable to be seriously depreciated by long drives at this time of the year, even if the necessary drovers are available.

Replying to the arguments raised by ilie deputation, Mr. Hiley pointed- out that the slack trade until two weeks ago hnd been responsible for a shortage of about 500,000 sheen carried by the railways as compared with last year, and the conseouent pressure on the Department had 'lately been particularly severe, whilst ram fairs, agricultural shows, mid freezing works requirements, had also been exceptionally heavy. The rjucstion of organisation was gone into, and the deputation had to admit Hint the Department kept, themselves well informed as to the requirements of the various districts, and were fully alive to (he necessities of the position. A suggestion that "L" trucks could be used at a ninch was considered, but it was nointed out that they would be unsuitable in hot weather, and would be liable to cause heavy loss by smothering. The deputation were, unanimous as to file anxielv shown by the wagon controllers and svationmaslers to endeavour to cone with the difficulty.

REQUISITION OP WOOL AND HIDES

By Telcgmnli—Tre« Association. Hastings, February IS. The Hastings branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union discussed {lie Prime Minister's circular letter relating to the requisition of slipe wool, sheepskins, and hides, and resolved:— (1) That it would be in tho,best interests of the farmers to leave it to the option of the vendor whether the final appraisement of slipc wool bo made in the United States or in the Dominion ; (2/ that tho Government should commandeer all freezing companies' pelts; (3; that the requisition of calfskins and hides under 451b. should not bo abandoned . Mr. J. S. M'Lcod was elected Hawke s Bay delegate' to attend the Wellington conference.

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S MARKET REPORT

• The Department of Industries, and Commerce has received the following cablegram, dated Loudon, February 16, from the High Commissioner for New Zealand: — Meat—Although slight increase in supplies coming forward, demand exceeds the supply. All descriptions selling at, maximum prices, including New Zealand and Patagouian lamb, United States frozen beef, and Argentine chilled beef.

Butter and Cheese—Conditions are unchanged. In active demand with short supplies. Maximum prices have not changed. Hemp—Manila, and New Zealand spot market strong. Manila, moderate business has been done for forward shipment, New Zealand nothing doing on account of freight. Manila output last week in Januar.v 20,000 hales. Stocks at February 1, 19,271 .bales, against 41,165 bales on February 1 last year. Wheat.—Market quiet owing to the absence of offors. Oats.—Active demand at full prices.

MASTERTON SHOW

The Masterton Show, lo be held on the Solway Grounds to-day and to-morrow, is expected to attract ji record attendance, on account of the strong and representative entries it has drawn. The train arrangements should suit visitors from far and near. A large number of sideshows will be on the grounds, and every provision has been made for the enjoyment as well as the comfort of visitors. The spacious grandstand will accommodate some 2000 persons, and the circular ring will enable the public to view the comnetitions under the most favourable conditions. The ram fair will be held on Thursday and Friday, and record entries have been received. .

Ll'V£i' STUCK SALES

The Wairarapa Tanners' '(Jo-operative Association, uiu., ltport on toe uuuerinuuuoneu saics hem uunug me jiUnt \,euh. on 'ruuyuay, at tuu tdiowouuun, a lew pens- oi biiow lat sneup were disposed oi at aucuou. l'ncea were goou, uuuouyu uo lancy prices were. paid. \t» buiu lutj lollowiug Hues:—Account Ma:; bpcedy, '5 lat 2-iuoin weUieva, £2 25.; o lilt wethers) heavyweights, ta 7b. (air. Speedy generously donating proceeds to l.ji.U.A. and i\avy League respectively), i unto, £2 as. Account H. Tickuer, 6 lat lambs, JCI 7b.; 5 ditto, £1 7s. id.; 6 ditto, 'ail bB. 6d.; & ditto, £1 65.; .5 ditto, £i is. 6a.; ti ditto. 255.; 10 ditto (shorn), 225.; 6 ditto, 21b. Account E. Hughes, I ditto, 27a. and 28s. At the Ham Fair on Friuay we suuuiittcd a lull catalogue (entries being limited lo 201) rams per lira) to a gooa attendance ot buyers. Quality ranged li'om lair to very good, aud 'for the former practically uo competition was forthcoming, and the bulk of this claBS was turned out unsold. Best rams, however, elicited Keen competition. A pcu of 5 flock Bomneys, sold on account G. E. Allen, topped the market iu Hock rams, at oOjgns. A pen, sold on account W. H. Buick, were next best at 28gns. A few ueetul stud rams were ottered. Iu our catalogue prices in Lincolns ranged from 21 to 24giiB„ the latter price being paid for a shearling, Bold on account a. A. Amioi'sou, of iV'airarapa, the purchaser being J. Graham, a. local breeder. Kornncy studs sold, account W. Terry, 1 shearlings at 25 to 'fleas.; account; W. 11. Buick, 3 shearlings aj. 2o to 31gnB. We uuoto as follows, principal Hues only:-Lincolns: Account It. Bremer, 40 shearlings, 7J to 13 gns., average just under lOgus. Account D. llunro, 9 2-shcar, 6 to 7Jgus., average Sjgns. Itomncys: Account G. E. Allen, 9 1 and 2-Bhear, 10J to 30'gns., averago 22Jgi)3. Account W. 11. Buick, 5 shearlings, 28gns. average. Account A. JlacKay, Pahiatua, 20 shearlings, 13 to 20gns., average 15Jgns. Medium Komueys sold at an average ot about 7gns. Southdowns: Tho demand for these was limited. Good rama were, sold at from 3i to 4Jgns. Hesßi'B. Abraham and 'Williams, Ltd., report:—At. Feilding on Friday wo had a large yarding of both sheep and cattle. Buyers were in strong force, but owing to the very heavy rain the sale dragged somewhat. We Bold practically every pen of sheep, but cattle did not change hands to any great extent. Quotations; Sheep— B.F. lambs, 15s. 3d., 17b. 4d., to 20s. 6d.; mixed lambs, good, 15b. lid., 16a. 3d., to 17s. 2i; shorn lambs, 8i- lOd. to 10b. 4d.; cull lambs, 2s. 9d. to 65.; 2-tooth ewea, 235. lOd.; s.s. ewos, 19b. 3d. to 25a. 6d.; othei-B, Bs. 6d. to Us.; wethers, 26s 3d.; fat 2-tooths, 19s. 6d. Cattle: 15-tnonth steers, £4 ss; mixed weaners, £2 10s.; COW 6, with calves, £7 12s. 6d.; light fat cows, £9; fat i and forward cows, £8; storo cows, £5 18s. 6d. to £6 145.; bulls, from £9 to £15 15b. Messrs. Abraham and Williams, Ltd.,

Marton, report for the wrck:-At Hunterville on Tuesday we had a, very heavy, yarding of stuep, and have to report, a good sale. At. Vailiapo on Wednesday a good yarding came forward, most of which sold at satisfactory prices. At Mangawoka on Thursday an exceptionally heavy entry of sheep came to hand and met with a good sale, with the exception of lambs, which were hard to quit owing to uncertainty in getting trucks. Quotations IHunterville): 2-tooth wethers, 305., 325. Id.; fair do, 265., 275. 10d.; cull 2tooths, 155., 19s. 5d.; 4 and 5-year ewes, 17e. to 2f12., poor do., 12s. 9d. to 155.; good 4-year ewes, 305.; cull ewes, ss. to Bs.; medium m.s. lambs, 10s. lOd. to 12s. Bd.j small do., 7s. td. to 9s. 3d.; cull do., 3s. 6d to ss. lid.; 2-t.ooth ewes, 295. 3d.; fat, ewes, 28s. lOd.; 4-year Eomney rams, £3 sb. On account A. E. Bussell, ewe lambs, 16s. 6d. On account ,1. G. Barthrop, Ehorn wether lambs, 19s. 2d. On account, Jas. Bull, 2, 3, aud 4-year ewes, 31s. to 31s. 6d. At Taihapc: 2-tooth wethers, 265. 5d., 28s. 9d.- 2-tooth ewes, small, 255.; 6.m. ewes, 18s. 6d. to 205.; poor do., 12s. 9d. to 15s. 9d.: cull do., 7s. to 95.; m.s. lambs, 158. 9d.; medium do., 10s. 9d. to lis. 6d.; cull do., 4s. to 7s. 3d. At Mimgawcka: On account W. P. Stevens, 5-year ewes, 335. 10(1.; 2, 3, and 4-year ewes 285.; eull do.. 245. 9d. On account A. C. Morton, 3, 4, and 5-year ewes, 335. 7<l. On account V. R. K. Gorringc, 4 and 5-year ewes, 275.; 2-tooth do., 325. 10d., 335. A. G. Fitzherbcrt, 4 and 5-year ewes. 245. 7(1. U. G. Wilson, 4 and 5-year ewes, at 275. Id.; 2-tooth ewes, 265.. 4d. W. Fulton, 2-tooth ewes, 28s. •6d. Chas. M'Kinnon, 4 and 5-year ewes, 225. 6d. D. Galloway, 4 and 5-year ewes, 255. 9d. J. Travcna, 2-tooth ewes, 28s. 7d. W. P. Shaw, 4 and 5-year ewes. 245. 6d. It. W. Smith, 4 and 5-ycar ewes, 245. On account other vendors, poor ewes, 14s. to 18s.; cull do., ss. to Bs. 3d.; 2-tooth wethers, 265. to 30s. 3d.; medium lambs, 9s. 4d. to 12s. 6d.; cull do., ss. to 7s. 9d.

The Wai'rarapa Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd., Stock Department, report having held their weekly sale at Carterton yesterday, when they submitted a very heavy yarding of sheep, cattle and pigs to a good attendance. Competition for sheep was dull, but pigs and cattle went with a swing. Following are quotations:—Cull ewes, 125.; lambs, ss. Bd. and 9s. Id.; fat cows, £12 17s. to £13 Is.; wore cows, £5 7b. 6d., £6, £6 45.. £6 10s., £7 10s., £8 155., £9, £9 6s. to £9 10s.; 15 to 18-month steers, £6 65., £8 Is., to £9 75.; yearling heifers, £3 55., £3 7s. to £3 10s. j w'eaner steers, £3 25., £3 55., to £3 lOa.f m.s, weaners, £1 2s. 6d., £1 10s., £2, £<. 195., to £3; bulls, £5 25., £6 145., £8, £9 155., £11 7b. 6d., £12 10s., to £20 10s. for very heavyweights, Pigs, etc., baconers, £3 Vs.; porkers, 265. 6d., 275. 6d., 305., 38s„ 395., £2 25., £2 35., to £3 155.; slips, £\ Ib.; weaners, 12s. Fowls, Is. 6d., 2s. 6d., to 2s. 9d. each.

The New Zealand, Loan and Mercantile Agency Company report:-At Palmcrston North on Thursday there was a heavy yarding of sheep and a fair entry of cattle. Bidding was inclined to drag, and prices were hardly up to recent sales. Quotations :-Small lambs, £7 95., £8 75., £9 65.; fair lambs, lis. Id., Us. 7d.: woolly rape lambs, 17s. 2d.; fat lambs, 225. 6d.; 2-tooth wethers, small, 225. 6d., 265.; fat, ewes, 29b. 3d.; aged ewes, 7s, 9d„ 10s.; mixed weaners, £2; 2-year heifers, r.w.b., £4 10s.; store, cows, £4 10s.; forward cows, £8 Bs„ £8 165.; fat heifers, £9 12s. 6d.; fat cows, £10 55.. £11 55.; cows, with calves, £6 155.; bulls, £6, £9.