THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S CABLEGRAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 23

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S CABLEGRAM.

'WELLINGTON. February 24.

The Department of Industries and Commeice has leceived the following cablegram from the High Commissioner, dated London, February 22 —

Mutton — The maiket is quiet. Canterbury brands are scarce, and quoted at 4£d. North Island is quoted at 3id Australian mutton, of which there is a large supply, is quoted at 2gd. River Plate mutton also is in laigesupply, and is being shongly pushed for sale at 3d

Lamb. — The maiket is quiet. There is fair demand for New Zealand brands and supplies are increasing. Canterbury lamb is quoted at s|d; other than Canterbury. s£d. Beef. — The market is steady. Hindquarters aie quoted at 3id; forequarters, 2-Jd. Butter — The market is very unsettled, and transactions are veiy limited on account of the high prices, bujers holding back expecting prices to go lower, and substitutes are being pushed for sale, some holders forcing sales. The following are the current quotations : — New Zealand, 146s ; Australian, 144s , Danish, 14Ss. Cheese.— The maiket is fiim. stocks being held in a few bands. White makes are quoted at 625, and coloured at 635. There is a better demand for cheese.

Hemp. — The market is dull, and transactions are light. Heavy shipments are expected from Manila for some time. Current quotations are as follows: — Good fair grade, on spot, £27; fair grade, on spot. £26; failcurrent Manila, on spot, £27; March-May shipments, good fair grade. £26 10s; fair grade, £25 10s: fair current Manila. £26 10s. Cocksfoot. — The market is a shade weaker and buyers ar» not keen to do business. Bright, clean dressed seed, weighing 171b to the bushel, is quoted at 745. Wool. — The market is quiet. Bradford tops are quoted at id lower than last week.

The following are the current quotations for kauri gum . —Ordinary to fair three-quarter scraped. 1655; fair half scraped, 102s 6d; brown fair half to three-quarter scraped, 955; brown picking, common to good, 555; bush fair to good, pale and amberj scraped, 150s. Market quiet. Hops — The market is very depressed, although it is in moderate supply. Prospects are unfavourable. American hops are being pushed for sale at 40s per cwt. English hops are quoted at 60s per cwt for best quality, and 40s per cwt for good middling quality.