CALF-SKIN PRICES DOWN

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1029, 21 July 1930, Page 11

CALF-SKIN PRICES DOWN

LOWEST FOR MANY YEARS DIFFERENCE OF 2/- A SKIN Prices for calfskins this season are on the lowest levels for many years, according to a leading Auckland exporter. There will be an all round reduction of approximately 2s a skin, compared with the prices of last year. Reviewing the calf skin market, this exporter told a Sun man this morning that prices for calfskins had not so low since the war and it was very questionable whether the average price to the farmer would be any higher than 3s a skin this year; to the bobby calfskin people, and others dealing in skins in a big way. the decline in the markets overseas during the past six months, meant a difference of up to 2s-a skin, compared with last 'season’s prices.. Whereas last July be-rt calfskins were making up to 15d a pound at New Zealand auctions at the latest New Zealand sale, held at Wellington on Friday. the top price did not exceed lOd. World-Wide depression in the industry brought on largely by over-pro-duction is the main reason for the price decline. Statistics released recently by the United States Tanners’ Association show that, during the first four months of the current year, imports of calfskins into the states increased by 49 per cent, compared with the figures for the corresponding four months of the previous year, while exports fell by 45 per cent; shoe production declined by 6 per cent. United States tanners were now afraid to make extensive forward commitments. The States are big importers of New Zealand calfskins.