WOOL AND RABBIT SKINS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18924, 12 February 1927, Page 16

WOOL AND RABBIT SKINS.

INTERNATIONAL REVIEW. UN.' TTLED CONDITIONS IN FRANCE. (from our own correspondent.) LONDOK, December 28. As will hare been gathered from tho monthly reports of Mr J. P. H. Mertenß (honorary commercial representative in Belgium for tho Dominion o{ New Zealand), 192(5 has bad to struggle with many adverse circumstances. Considering German readjustments in tho year, followed by the disastrous strikes in England, and tho most disturbing financial situation in France, it is surprising that wool prices should have beon maintained, and that tho yoar should close with very little to bo carried over.

Argentino shipments for 1025-26 having exceeded thoso of 1024-25 by 90,000 bales—largely made up of hidden old stocks—it is probable that a proportion ot low crossbreils lias not been used, but, on the other hand, tho present tow prices may etimulata their consumption, and Kiver i'lute shipments arc bound to show a considerable fulltng-oft in 1926-27, as also, in a lesser degree, shipments of Australian wools. Meanwhile, tho now clip is very rapidly disposed of in the Colonies and in South America at fair prices for nil concerned, and, were It not for tho unsettled conditions in Franco, the outlook would bo distinctly favourable.

Babbit Skins Bale. New Zcalands (of which 386 bales had beea previously offered) included over !>OO bales of supers, Ist winter does, and 2nd winter does, but, generally speaking, thu quality was below that of past seasons, for, owing to the mild winter in this colony, skins wore rather moro spotted than usual. The balance of the offering was composed of incomings, autumns, and racks, together with quite a largo quantity of Ist and 2nd winter torn and damaged, whilst bucks, as has also been the case in Vccent soles, wero very sparingly represented.

Mr Mcrtens writes that the improvement in tho situation on tho Continent continues to make headway, whilst with the improved industrial conditions in Great Britain, the business outlook seems brighter thau it has been {or some time past. As far ns the future of the market is concerned, both hat manufacturers and fur cutters would no dnubt like to seo prices on a somewhat lower level, but nt the moment the dressers and dyers seem to » large extent to control tho situation, and the activity of business in this section shows u<i sign of abating. The prices quoted for New Zealand rabbit skins are:—

Per dor. Supers .. .. Hid to 120 d per lb Ist winter does .. 104 dto 106 d per lb 2nd winter does ~ S2d to 87d per 11) Early winters .. Did to 08d per lb Ist incoming .. Autumn racks ~ 4ld to 48d per lb Light racks .. 43d to 47d per lb Suckers and kittens .. 22d per lb Ist winter torn .. Gfld to .TOd per lb 2nd winter torn .. 55d to 58d per lb