COMMERCIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 78, 2 April 1877, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

We take the following from "Goldsbrough's Monthly Circular," dated Melbourne March 21 : — Wool. — We learn that the clip of the United States for 1876 is not so large as it was the previous year; for, aHhough there has been a great increase in the production of the States west of the Mississippi, more especially California (which shews a yield for 1876 equal to 188,500 bales of 30011)3 eaeh, being 30 per cent, more than for 1875), there has been more than a corresponding reduction in the yield from the eastern States, varying from 5 to 20 per cent. The condition generally does not call for favorable' comment, aud it is freely admitted that America doea not yet produce the better descriptions of wool requisite for the manufacture of fiue goods; consequently imports of ths choice Australian descriptions have tp be continued to a considerable extent, notwithstanding the almost prohibitory tariff, which we regret to note has not as yet been modified. The Americans are rapidly increasing their manufacturing power, and we look forward to their being large consumers of oar best clips for many years to come; in fact Uifeey^ must either .use them or re^ linquish fche production of ihe better classes of goods. The return of sheep in Great Britain for 1876 shows a decrease of about 4 per cent, on the number depastured in 1875. As regards the continent of Europe it is not possible to obtain complete returns, but it is not likely that there will be a material difference from the yield of 1875. Ifc will be evident from the foregoing figures that the production of wool is not increasing to a large extent, and it is equally certain that with the constant augmentation of population consumption must be progressing fully in proportion, consequently we may reasonably infer that our staple will continue to maintain satisfactory prices for the grower. The great object should be to insure high rates by unremitting attention to careful breeding and classing, for our choicest wools can evidently maintain their premier position against aU competition.