COMMERCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2145, 21 March 1908, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

LONDON MARKETS

United Pross Association —Copyright (Received' March 20, 9.20 a.m.) - LONDON, March 20. In wool the best prices for h|'° crossbreds were 5 nor cent, below tlie .January rates. (Sales included ilvniwarra, 7Jd; Rangatira. "2d. Wheat: An Australian cargo was sold at 3 Is. frozen meat. Writing under date London January 31, Messrs Woddol and Co. report on the Home mnrkot as follows: MUTTON. Arrivals of New Zealand mutton during the fortnight amount to 32,417 carcases. The unit ton 6 market generally remains in the same unsatisfactory condition that lias characterised it for some time past, the demand being devoid of animation. Really prime fresh sheen are scarce, and tho few available realise relatively high prices as compared with those ruling for the parcels of stored goods that lire also on oiler. There are very tew prime Canterbury sheen to he obtained, and this description can only he quoted nominally at 4Jd. to 4}d. for 48/5(5 lbs. grade; 4d to 41 for 56/01 lbs.; and 3Jd to 31(1. for heavy carcases. North Island 'and Southland sheep are selling at 3)d. to 3jd. for light and medium weights of good quality, and 3§d. to 3jd. for heavier grades. Ewes are worth 2Jd. per lb. LAMBS. Arrivals during the fortnight amount to 118,171 carcases from Australia, 21,752 carcases from New Zealand, and 16,134 carcases from the River Plate. Tho demand continues good for this time of the year, and, although supplies are in excess of requirements, prices generally remain practically unchanged. There liavo been a few new season’s New Zealand lambs marketed at Smitlifield, the prices realised ranging from 6d. to 6]d. While the quality of some lias been rather on tho plain side, others, and notably the “AV.M.S.” Down lambs, have been exceptionally good. There is now a very limited enquiry for old season’s New Zealamls, prices for which are- quoted at from sd. to 52d., according to weight and quality. Australian lambs of really prime quality sell readily, and prices for this description keep firm. There is, however, practically no demand for the plain secondary iambs, large quantities of which .are now coming to hand, and holders are pressing sales of this description at best pricesobtainable. To-day’s quotations for Australian lambs ore as follows: Prime quality 4hl. to 5d., secondary 4d. to 4Jd., inferior 3]d to 33d. per lb. BEEF. Arrivals from New Zealand 4,256 qrs., from Australia 900 qrs., and from the River Plate 68,779 qrs. Unfortunately we are unable) to advise •any change in tlie trade at Smithfiekl. The long looked for improvement seems as distant as ever. .What little demand there’ is continues to run on fore-quarters, and, as the supply is moderate, prices have been well maintained. On the other hand, trade in hind-quarters is still very disappointing, and prices have again had to be reduced to effect sales. New Zealand hinds 3Jd., fores 213-16 d. DAIRY PRODUCE. Messrs Weddcl and Co. writing under date London Jan. 31. repoi’t on the Home market as follows :—- BUTTER. The temperature has varied from being very mild to frost and snow accompanied by cold winds. On tho whole dry weather has prevailed. Tho previous abnormal conditions continue in tho market for Australian and New Zealand butter, and prices have advanced this week by 6s to 8s per cwt. Salted Australian ranges from 120 s to 126 s per cwt., and unsalted from 122 s to 1265, with an occasional 128 s, Values of all kinds nro expected to make a further advance next week. In fact itlic market is one of price rather than of quality, and the range of values from lowest to highest is. closer together than it has ever been since the Australian and New Zealand trade commenced. Milled is making 110 s to 112 s. Second grade, 116 sto 118 s. Arrivals for this week have been very small, and though next aveelc a good quantity will be landed the arrivals for tho following week will be down again to a low figure. For the last week in February the receipts will he less than 20,000 boxes. Shipments this week from Australia arc only 30,000 boxes, and cables advise that supplies are decreasing everywhere except- Queensland. The Copenhagen official quotation has this week been forced up by the rise in colonial, but the committee have only raised it two kroner. It is now higher than it lias been for tho last week in January during the past twenty-three years, when, for the whole of January, 1885, it stood at 114 kroner against 109 to-day. Siberian fresh arrivals are brining 116 s to 118 s with an occasional 120 s for especially fine quality.

CHEESE. Tiic market has been quiet for Canadian with a weakening in tone. New Zealand lias receded a -good shilling and is now better value than Canadian. Fifty tons Australian elioeso is afloat for this country, and about a hundred and ten tons more will bo shipped very shortly.