The Wool Market.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 139, 11 December 1896, Page 2

The Wool Market.

Messrs Ohas. Balme and Co., London agents for the United Farmers* Co-opera* tive Association, Ltd., report under date London, 22nd October:— Since the close of the public auctions, a considerable amount of inquiry for Australasian wool has prevailed in London, and this is at present showing some tendency to expand. So far, some three or four hundred bales bave changed hands at prices marking an improvement upon those current at fche close of the sales. The demand above referred to emanates mainly frem tbe United States, although a certain quantity of crossbred produce bas been taken on Bradford acconnt, today's market in thafc town being firm afc the harder rates recently current. Hitherto, the actual sales which have been made by no means represent the volume of enquiry, since holders are unwilling to anticipate the possibilities of a favorable settle* I ment of the Presidcntal elections, except at a substantial advance on tho prices of tho late series. A rumor is current that the French Minister of Agriculture is considering tbe advisability of taking Steps to prohibit the importation of South African wopl and skins into both France and Algeria, with a view fco prevent, if possible, contagion fjouj Binderpest. $o lopg as tbis measure is confined to France an<| her dependencies, it w^l baye but a limited effect upon the demand for Spqfch African produce, ha* v) tbe event of other Continental Governments followiug suit, the consaquences could hardly fail to be seriously prejudicial to this olass of staple. | Pec Press Association] London, Dec. 9. At fche wool sales bidding to day was spirited, bug rather irregular. December 10. At the wool, sales crossbreds firm, good to mediam and gneasy merinos wore neglected. At tbe wool sales- prices, especially for inferior sorts, were : weaker ; scoureds declined a f athing to a halfpenny.