THE MARKETS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1921, Page 6

THE MARKETS.

POSITION IN TARANAKI. FEW ALTERATIONS. The position of the markets in Taranaki has not altered a great deal since our last report. There is a tendency for the public to refrain from buying in the hope that prices may come down. So far as food 'stuffs are concerned there is little likelihood of any outstanding reductions, for •with the English market still high and the high cost of production locally, manufacturers are working on a bare margin of profit only. Fresh Fruit —Supplies of apples, pears and tomatoes are now coming to hand freely, but peaches are not of good quality. Apricots are practically unprocurable.

Preserved Fruit—Shipments of Singapore pineapple are now to hand, and supplies will go into consumption at once as there has been a shortage lately. Pears, peaches and apricots are still are still in good demand, despite the high price. Reports to hand indicate that the price for the new season’s r-pack will be high. Bacon. —The price of this commodity has slumped somewhat of late, but now that the embargo on export has been lifted the price will keep firm from now on. Fowl Feed. —Quantities of wheat suitable for fowl feed is available in Australia, but the Government is prohibiting export and the only grain for New Zealand use is a mixture containing a percentage of wheat only. Sugar.—Local stocks are about' depleted. It is ten days since the last shipment arrived from Auckland, and it is hoped supplies will arrive per Rarawa on Tuesday next. Matches.—A small shipment of wax matches has come to hand, but the quantity is such that some householders may be fortunate enough to obtain a box or two. Benzine.—A small shipment is due to arrive at the Breakwater about the middle of March at Is 3d less than the Wellington ruling price. Soap.—With the tallow market down soap has been reduced somewhat, but the drop does not materially affect the price per bar.

In connection with benzine, the following, taken from an exchange,- is of interest:— An oilman writes: We notice an item in your wholesale trade' reports column, (Feb. 2.) that owing to the reduction of the price of tin and lower freights, benzine, in the opinion of some importers, is likely to be reduced by 5s per case. Such incorrect statements are liable to cause a cessation of buying and may dislocate the trade, and at the same time mislead buyers. We have received a cable from the largest refinery in New York] quoting petrol today at a price, that at the present rate of exchange, which is considerably higher than it has been, is free alongside steamer 5 cents per case less than it was some time ago. If the price of tin was given in free, and the freight also, there could not be a reduction today of 5s per case on the present wholesale price, as the New York price today is only about 5s per case less than the present wholesale ruling price here. We shall be pleased to show yo,i/r reporter the copies of cables, and also the rate of freight, and what price benzine is likely to cost in the next few months. These statements are often r made in the interests of large monopolies who are trying to squeeze out all small importers who rely upon selling their petrol ex ship. These importations have kept the price down, and kept the New Zealand buyers out of the hands of monopolies.