THE MARKETS REVIEWED

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 154, 25 March 1939, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE MARKETS REVIEWED

Average Of Export Values Not Really Low • - SOME CAUSES FOR OPTIMISM When an air of apprehension is'prevalent, as at present, there is a very natural trend to look unduly upon the dark side of things, lhe fires of apprehension are today fueled and kept stoked, both by the troubles of Europe and by our own internal political situation. Admittedly there is much of a dark hue to be seen, but there is . brightness also, and much of this is prone to be overlooked. Consider dairy products, butter, cheese and pigmeats. As a group, they have this season made in London better pricces than since pre-depression dates. Their price depends upon consumer purchasing power and preference. That must be, therefore, very good in Britain. Next consider lamb. This is making within a few per cent, of prices ruling at this period of both 193 S and 1937. A very fair price is current, viewed in that light. Mutton admittedly is selling badly. So, too, is wool, but in this case the ruling price is but 5 per cent, worse than last season’s. Given a spell from international tension, just how good could trade be? A bright era would assuredly dawn. What this Dominion needs to face up to is costs. Prices are about as good as we can safely reckon upon. If a sense of true proportion is to be maintained, it is as well to realize that prices are really very fair.