LONDON WOOL REPORT.-

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 341, 25 January 1861, Page 2

LONDON WOOL REPORT.-

-Nov. 24, 1860. ihe iasc saiea 01 tue year commenced on the Bth of November, the arrivals to that date consisting of— Australian, 4758 bales; Port Phillip, 4660 bales; Adelaide, 1162 bales; Van Diemen's Land, 2028 bales; New Zealand, 4152 bales; bwan River, 85 bales; Cape, 20,004 bales; total, 36,849 bales; which number will be increased by about 5000 bales of wools held over and those in second hands.

Notwithstanding tbe advance in the Bank-rate, to 6 per cent, tbe first day of this series, the attendance of home buyers was very large, and an animated demand existed for all descriptions at an average advance of Id. to l&d. on Sydney, Port Phillip, &c., except Cape, which sold, in consequence of the large arrivals, at about Id. less for good sorts, and l£d. on inferior and short qualities, of which the supply is very large. The attendance of continental buyers was smaller than expected ; their competition, however, during the last day or two has tended greatly to strengthen tbe prices of all stapled wools ; and tbe sales to this date continue to progress witb great spirit at full rates. The accounts from the manufacturing districts are scarcely so good as a week since; still the stock of wool jn the hands of the manufacturers is so small, and the interval which must elapse before the new clip can be offered in March—viz., four months—so important, that all seem anxious to provide for probable requirements (but not more), until the new clip is submitted, the arrivals of which are expected to be large and in good condition.

What the course of prices may be at the beginning of the year it is difficnlt even to conjecture, but tbe enormons consumption of the raw material, coupled with the absence of stock on which to fall back, is the best proof that consumption is, if not exceeding supply, encroaching so much upon imports, that high prices are anticipated to rule next year for all descriptions, and a ready market at long rates will be found in London should the present satisfactory absorption of wool continue upon the present extensive scale. The only drawback is the possibility of war in the spring; but should our own Government keep free from engagements which might entangle us in a war, the healthy state of our trade will justify the grower in looking for high rates for some time.— Home News.