MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1924, Page 2

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

AUSIKAMAN AND N Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION Til K BUTTER POSITION. LONDON, March IG. The position of the butter market is an extraordinary one, described by a leading iimporter as never previously experienced in the history ol the trade for Danish is firm at 2IGs a ewt, while New Zealand is weak at Ills less. The difference in the intrinsic values of these butters is probably not more than about 2s, and it seems incomprehensible that there should be this great difference in selling prices. The demand for Danish here is limited owing to its dearness, but, the Danes are able to maintain high prices owing to extensive buying by Germany and other Continental countries, and the United States.

Australian butter is 10s to 12s Inflow Xew Zealand, and quotations for it are largely nominal at Ibis to IGOs. The cause of the poor demand is quite understandable, for supplies cl Australian have been very light ‘.ill recently, and with big quantities coining towards the end of the season it is only natural that buyers will not leavti butters they have been using and take Australian unless they get it at sacrifice prices. Retailers have lowered their price for New Zealand to Is Sd and is 1,1 Id a lb., and it is hoped the reduction will stimulate the demand. So far it lias had little effect.

CONFLICT ON SYRIAN FRONTIER CONSTAXTIXOLE, March 17. An unconfirmed report tiansmitted from Adana, reports serious conflicts between French troops and an armed hand on the Syrian frontier. After the first engagement, the h rench wero forced to retreat, leaving one hundred dead, besides a quantity of ammunition and some prisoners. The attackers pursued the French whom they again engaged hut the results are unknown.