SLOW MARKET FOR BUTTER

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27733, 10 August 1955, Page 15

SLOW MARKET FOR BUTTER

HANDTOMOUTH POLICY (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, August 9. Very quiet conditions have prevailed and sales of all grades of butter were difficult to negotiate as far as Tooley Street agents were concerned last week, says the trade journal, the “Grocer.” It continues: "Dealings such as they were, displayed no confidence, and the hand-to-mouth policy adopted by purchasers over the last two to three weeks was more pronounced. Although prices recently came down, many traders insist that they are not yet low enough as the whole statistical position of the market gives a picture of weakness. “Stocks in cold store are heavy, and from January this year, when they were given as 21,000 tons, they have increased to over 47,000 tons in the middle of July. The second half of the year produces smaller arrivals than in the first naif, but at this time of the year the normal stock figure is around the 30,000 tons mark. “It is evident that margarine and particularly popular brands of butter mixes, have seriously interfered with butter consumption as these are freely offered at a retail price of 2s. Danish butter is now generally available at 3s 6d and 3s Bd, and others at 3s 2d and 3s 4d, and it is a questsion whether further price reductions will stimulate sales. Retail prices are now below those ruling at the time of decontrol. Consumption was then four ounces, but today it is below this amount. Margarine consumption is estimated to be at 5.7 ounces, compared with three ounces at the time of control.” HIDE PRICES REMAIN WEAK (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, August 9. Prices for hides remained weak at the Auckland auction today. Competition was more restricted, with demand from local tanners not as strong. Price reductions, however, were mainly narrow. Dry sheepskins met a dull market, and prices were up to 2d per lb cheaper than a month ago. Full-woolled skins made up to 39Jd, compared with 40Jd on July 12. The top price of 392 d was paid for a small line of three-quarter wool hSlfbred skins. Increased for salted sheepskins resulted in a brighter tone. Sound full-woolled skins realised 32s—the highest price since October of last year—while three-quarter wools made up to 24s 3d. STOCK SALES TINWALD Prices for fat ewes were up 4s to 5s a head on last week’s rates at the Tinwald stock sale yesterday. The demand for stores was • better than during the last few weeks. Fat wethers sold up to 68s for medium grade to 75s for prime, and up to 85s Id for extra prime quality. Fat ewes made up to 35s for medium sorts, to 45s for prime, and up to 55s for extra prime ewes. A line of maiden ewes sold from 69s Id to 77s Id. In the store sheep section, full to soundmouth ewes in lamb made from 54s to 665, wether hoggets 58s and 60s. ewe hoggets 625, two-tooth ewes 74s and 755, and one-year ewes 48s.