THE FLOUR TRUST.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 46, 14 June 1903, Page 6

THE FLOUR TRUST.

Nothing definite was known in town this morning as to the result of the meeting of the directors of the Flourmillers' Association iu Christchurch, although the air was full of rumors. The prospects of a settlement were eagerly canvassed, and in some quarters the opinion was expressed that the breach would be healed early next week. On the other hand, ib was surmised by millers who ought to know that the terms upon which the outstanding mills were offe ed on lease were such that the proposals would not be entertained by the milling. trade as a whole. Two alternatives are apparently before the flourmillers : either to grant what practically amount to substantial concessions to some of their number in order to bring about peace, or else resign themselves to a prolonged period of severe cutting, during which only the strongest and biggest mills will be able to carry on, and the weaker must closa down or go to the wall. In the interval theie is not much alteration in the flour mirket. Oae local miller, who has been quotiug flour in sacks at £b 5a and in 50's at i7 lOi per ton, has, it is re" ported, booked a considerable quantity at Chat price, many buyers considering it good stock, especially in view of a possible settlement. Other millers, however, are keeping their price firm at £7 15s for sacks, and £8 10a for st)'s. Should a settlement be brought about, it is understood that tha price of flour will at once be put up to £8 10j for eacks and £9 5s for 50's, the shipping price remaining at 18 per ton f.o.b. Iu defaulo of any ar' rangement beiig arrived at, the price of sacks will probably be fixed at £1 5s for local orders and £l for shippiug, a price that, will certainly do away wiih all profit, even if it does not entail an actual loss. It remains to be seen how long trade can be carried on on this basis. — Otago Duly Times.