COMMERCIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 102, 23 September 1914, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

HIGH PRICES FOE HIDIS. RECORD OFFERING AT NOLAS AND CO.'S SALE. Tile prices obtainable for hides (tail

j. sheepskins are naturally of great inter- , est to Taranaki farmers, and this in- ; terest ia greatly enhanced by the fact _ that there has been a feeling in some _ quarters that prices would be seriously [ affected by the war. The sale held at , Nolan's storerooms yesterday told quite . another tale. It was the largest gale of . the kind ever held in New Plymouth,« ; and buyers were operating for America, . Canada, Auckland, southern and local requirements. Being the first offering | here since the commencement of hostilities in Europe, it acted as a reliable indication of the revival of the hide and skin industries. There were on offer yesterday 600 hides, 3000 calfskins, and 1500 sheepskins; so that it can be seen there was ample room for competition. It was at once evident that bidding would be brisk and prices good, and these were the features of the sale, the lots being eagerly competed for and quickly disposed of. This shows conclusively that those interested either in the export or manufacturing trades have found that their markets are far from being closed, and it goes to prove that the war is not materially affecting trade, and that the outlook is the reverse of pessimistic both as regards New Zealand and other countries. Apparently, things are resuming the normal, and there is no reason why these prices should not be maintained; that farmers, through their butter, cheese, meat, etc., are in for a good time, and that the outlook is bright with i premise. MONEY IN CALFSKINS. It is said that some dairy farmers ' have been killing their calves "and bury- ■] ing the "skins. If that is so, then after , yesterday's sale they should be con- , yinced they are throwing away money, i for sound calfskins were sold at the lowest for ll'/ad per lb, or at least Ss i apiece. Ox hides fetched up to 9%d per i lb, butchers' cow hides 7 3 / s <l to B%d, and <1 farmers' cow hides (sound) 7%d to Bd. 't Vendors should be well satisfied with such a satisfactory result, but especially 1 should they feel gratilied at tho keen a demand that exists.