TRADE REVIEW.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1926, Page 1

TRADE REVIEW.

I STOCK EXCHANGE BUOYANT. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, May 22. Throughout tho strike period the Stock Exchange maintained an optimistic attitude, and, after the strike had- been called off, all the markets were buoyant,, particularly home tails and those industrials mostly affected by tho stoppage of work. Prices advanced all round, and, as little stock was offering, the rises in many cases were substantial. This was especially tho case with gilt-edged securities,

among which Colonials steadily improved, a notable instance being the last issue of New South AA'ales 5 per cents, which are now quoted at £B7 17s 6d, only 2s Cd below the issue price and a great recovery from the heavy discount at which ft stood just after the issue. The tone of the market weakened somewhat during the last two days on the failure of a. settlement of the coal dispute, but there has been not relapse in values worth talking about. The Stock Exchange is still confident that a way out of the difficulties will he found ere long.

- FRUIT. Thunks largely to the slow delivery of fruit from the docks to the markets, apple prices have been well maintained, retailers having bought early as stocks had been almost cleared during the

strike period, importers are looking to the future with considerable apprehension, owing to congestion of supplies. There are alrendy about a do/.on steamers discharging, or awaiting diso! fir go in various English ports, chiefly London, and several other large cargoes are near at hand, so it is estimated that fully 750,000 cases will he

available after the \\,'ln Isim liolidpvs, 1 with considerable quantities coming' later. Fortunately, owing to the cold weather, supplies of gooseberries and other cooking fruits have been retarded and this has stimulated the. demand for apples, especially cookers, which have been making high prices, but during the last two days the temperature in England and on the Continent has risen greatly, so that heavy supplies of s<>?t fruits will ho marketed next week.

DRIED fruits. The dried fruit season opened auspiciously. Only a limited quantity lias yet been landed, owing to strike dislocation, but sales already effected bare been at excellent prices. The condition of both currants and sultanas is in every way satisfactory and evidently they have been, well harvested. WOOL TRADE. The wool trade lias been dull owing to interference with transport and working hours. Yorkshire mills have been restricted by curtailment of coal supplies. Little business is likely to be done next week owing to the holidays.

Traders will probably mark time till the London sales are resumed on June 1. Xo great cl.mnge in values is expected as nothing of importance lias happened in the consuming centres, either at Homo or abroad. It is expected tint Franco will renew activities. The recovery of exchange will enable her to operate freely. Germany is also expected to continue buying medium ami coarse crossbred.