THE PRICE OF WOOL.

Motueka Star, Volume IV, Issue 163, 13 March 1903, Page 4

THE PRICE OF WOOL.

In referring: to the comparatively high range of prices for wool, the “Yorkshire Observer’ 1 of the Bth January asks, “How long will it last %” and goes on to say —Until April or May the present or a higher basis of prices seems to be assured—always, of course, excepting possible foreign or financial complications. Business in the meantime will become increasingly difficult to do at a profit, and when wool begins to arrive in bulk there may begin a retrograde movement. No upward movement for a generation has lasted for much more than a year, and, if we set aside the slump of July and August last, for which noboly can find a justification, it will be found that the rise has already extended over twelve monthe. Our yarn customers on the Continent have bought very heavily of late, and can, and no doubt will, keep out of the market if they fancy that they can buy better by waiting. Then it must not be forgotten that the present Australian merino clip exactly suits the woollen industry, and that the woollen people are excep tionally busy. And every upward stage in the increase of values helps to bring in cotton and other substitutes, and also chokes off a certain proportion of the demand. This is clearly shown in the want of elasticity which has characterised the Botany trade since 60’s tops got beyond 23d. At the present level—notwithstanding a rise which in medium descriptions is nearly 60 per cent—crossbreds are still at “a reasonable price,” and it is possible to conceive that, were the new clip nearer to us than it is, we might be able to take it all up without any weakening of the market. But if prices are to be foiced much higher, the danger of a reaction will be considerable whenever the new clip becomes a dominant, factor.

In connection with the High School at Palmerston North it is proposed to start a Maori class. The ‘Press’ says that an old lady who was standing just iuside the Park by Lincoln road, waiting for a train, the other day, was much frightened by a man who rushed towards her and snatched her purse, containing 30s, from her hand. The thief then made a lounge at her watch and chain, but alarmed lest her screams should br.ng s imeone to the spot, made off without securing the article.'. The theft ocourled at one o’clock in the'lay, ami w.t iin a few yards of ‘w public street. The effect of t; e now regulation affecting the Old Age Pensio i Act, defi dug a life interest as equivalent to ownership, resulted at Christchurch on Friday in a pension being reduced from £lB to £2 SPRAINS are often more serious then broken bones on accoun: of not being properly treated Apply Ch unberlain s Pain Balm freely as sum as lie injury is receive! and it will quickly restore the parts to a healthy c mdition A, Maiioy sells it. Subscription to MOTUE. CA STAR — Three Shillings and Sixpence a Quarter whUh may beign anv time