BRITISH TRADE REVIEW.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 143, 20 June 1927, Page 4

BRITISH TRADE REVIEW.

LONDON, June 13

Business on the London Stock Exchange in the past fortnight has been disappointing, and though no_ serious weakness is apparent, most of the markets arc in an unsettled state.

The causes of this are not far to seek. They are specified by one financial expert, who -write:-:—

"The quarrel between Yugoslavia and Albania, the fresh outbreak of terrorism in Russia, the strained relations between Poland and Kussia. the disturbed conditions of the Berlin Bourse, to say nothing of the monetary uncertainty in England occasioned by French demands for gold, have all combined to make the outlook at, the moment unusually obscure. Also the anxiety regarding the coal industry at Home is again occasioning dullness iu Endish railway stocks.'"' In this condition of affairs it is hardly surprising that we have had no news of the new Commonwealth loan which had been expected for some time. The idea now prevails that it is not likely to come until the monetary conditions become easier alter the large interest payments on July 1. Wool. The wool market is firm and since the last sales considerable business has been done at prices which seem to indicate that there is no likelihood of any drop in values for some time to come. The wool correspondent of the Economist says there is proof of the existence of a hunger for -wool iu the fact that it has been suggested that the next London sales should be held earlier than on July 5, the date originally fixed. The writer says the prices at these sales are destined to be at least slightly higher than those of May. and that a forcing influence will probably come from Continental competition. Fruit. Apple prices continue to be satisfactory and the season, which is now drawing to a close, appears likely to show very satisfactory results. American apples continue to arrive but the market can absorb all that come, for the British soft fruit season has been a poor one. Strawberries, which are nsually cheap and plentiful in mid-June, are very scarce. They are not obtainable even from costermongers' barrows at lees than 1/ a lb, instead of the usual price of 6d. Cherries and other small fruits are also scarce and dear. Competition from American apples has been less acute than in some previous years, but etill imports have been considerable. Some Covent Garden importers are therefore considering whether it would be possible to induce the Government to prohibit the sale and importation of American apples in April, May and June. They point out that the whole of the American crop is gathered in by October and that large quantities are placed in cold store in order to supply Britain practically the whole year round. It is suggested that it would not be a great hardship if the Americans were compelled to market their apples in the nine months from July to March, leaving the Empire fruits a clear market in Tpril, May and June. The proposers of this plan recognise that it may be difficult for the Government to enforce such a prohibition, but representations in that connection are being made to the Empire Marketing Board. Eggs. As far as can be seen at present the prospects for the Australian and New Zealand egg trade eeem to be favourable. It is reported that the quantity of eggs stored for winter consumption is smaller than was the case last year, as storing then proved unprofitable, with the result that producers have been selling more freely. Importers are anxious to impress upon shippers the necessity for paying greater

Importers are anxious to impress upon shippers the necessity for paying greater attention to packing. Last year there were several instances of serious loss through the fillers not being stout enough. The importers also recommended that shippers ehonld not eend eggs ■wtoich ■neigh less than 151b per 120.