THE WHOLESALE TRADE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17281, 23 September 1916, Page 11

THE WHOLESALE TRADE.

SOFT GOODS, CHRISTCHURCH, September 22. Business in the soft goods section has been good during tbo week. Shipments are coming to hend freely, and orders placed et Home aro in tho mam being fillod fairly promptly, indicating the benefit of the organisation ot industry to keep up Britain’s manufacturing and export trado, despito the huge drain on man-power for making munitions and for keeping up the armies. Retailers sro now fairly launched on tho purchasing of summer stocks, and local warehouses are fully equal to the demand. HARDWARE. Business in bulk hardware lines during tho week has boon quiet, but sales of shelf goods have much improved. With tho favourable weather conditions, tho demand for spring requirements is quite up to expectations. The rapid grass gTowth has caused an exceptional call for lawn mowers, and stocks aro consequently much depleted. remand in the city at present ib quite equal to tho orders from the country. Whilst stocks have been getting very low, invoices to band by tho last two oversea BKu.3 cover much more stocks afloat than has been file case for some considerable time. Values are very high, but prices at present being asked by merchants are as low, if not lower, than what tho goods can bo replaced at. The building trade is improving, and stocks of corrugated sheets and nails ero ample in the meantime, but builders' shelf hardware is getting low, and buyers are advised to anticipate their requirements. There is a bettor demand for fencing wires, and further stocks are now landing. Prices, however, show no signs of weakening, and standards are selling at considerably under the figure at which stocks could bo replaced. GENERAL MERCHANDISE. Business throughout the week has remained steady. The alterations in prices have been few. Matches advanced a Tuither 10 por cent, which will moan an alteration in tho retail price. The tapioca market is fluctuating, there having been a slight advance during the week. Preserved ginger romains at a high figure. In connection with California dried fruits, reports to hand this week by mail state that the market for apricots and prunes has advanced. Tho crop prospects for muscalei raisins are not as favourable as was anticipated early in the season, and tho fact that the 1915 crop is cloared up makes the market firm for new season’s fruit. In regard to currants, there is nothing fnrthor to report on the position of the Mediterranean fruit, but quotations for South Australian currants aro being made on this market, and tho probability is that that fruit will be bought for Christmas requirement*. A shipment of new season's Ship Brand Skeena River salmon, Jib tins, has arrived at Auckland on the Niagara* Sardines have beon quoted at a very nigh price f.0.b., Stavengar. Tho cost to lend the fish would be higher then tho present retail ** Tho price of new season’s Jordan almonds and Spanish muscatels will be high. Owing to the curtailment of imports of dried fruit* into England, it is necessary to send forward shipping marks and instructions to country of origin, so that goods may be shipped on transhipment form. Shippers will not take the responsibility’ for delays in forwarding.’ Fine sheet gelatine is quoted at Sn 7d per lb on the London market, and it is difficult to procure. , A shipment of Morton s new season 8 herrings has been made by the Remuora. %