GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15220, 6 March 1915, Page 4

GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

Tea.—Cable advice from Ceylon has had tho eO'ect of hardening the nrico of tea., in tho local market, and in some instances packers have advancer! their blends from VI to 2d. although tho actual advance in Ceylon is close upon 3d per lb.

Corniiour has, in sympathy with alt cereals, gone up in two advances over £5 per ton.

Rice.—lt is also expected that, rice and other adjacent lines will advance partly in sympathy, and also owing to rumoured increase of freight from the East to Australia and New Zealand ports.

Kerosene has also advanced 3d petcase.

White Lead.—This has also advanced 10s during the week.

Linseed oil last week took three increases, but is now a shade easier.

Dates.—Bulk dates have again advanced, and tho London market is quito bare of cartons.

Salmon is hardening and local merchants aro now asking higher prices than when the new season''a catch came to hand.

New sea-son's canned fruits are now being quoted at prices much tho same as last year, with- tho exception of pears, which will be dearer. Safety matches.—These aro in very short supply, and shipments have- been eagerly taken up. as it is known that fair quantities have been rcshipped to the Islands.

Kapoc.—Tho short supply has now been replenished by shipments by the W'aitoma and this being the first of the season's crop the sample is particularly good. Canvas has advanced to such an extent that it is almost impossible- to purchaso. and sonic of tho largest Scotch firms even now refuse to quote.