LONDON WOOL SALES

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28179, 18 January 1957, Page 15

LONDON WOOL SALES

Scoured Merino Sold For 133 d

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, January 17.

Competition was strong from both the Home trade and the Continent when the January series of London wool sales opened, says a report issued by the Committee of London Wool Brokers and the London agency of the New Zealand Wool Commission.

New Zealand was represented by 6558 bales, of which there was a virtual total clearance. Offerings in grease totalled 4300 bales, nearly all crossbred qualities from dry shearing in the North Island. The majority of fine hoggets went to the Continent, especially to France, whose buyers also bid strongly for skirtings and all early shorn fleece. The bulk of medium quality fleeces was taken by Bradford topmakers. Prices were very firm on the basis ruling at the close of the December sales, any change being in sellers’ favour. About 1100 bales of scoureds were available, including one small consignment of South Island Merinos which sold to the exceptional price of 133 d. The few halfbreds also included were in keen demand, with prices reacing 109|d. Most scoureds were in crossbred qualities and sold steadily at unchanged prices. The December basis was also maintained for 100 bales of slipes. The scoured Merinos, which sold to 133 d, were from Clent Hills Station, Ashburton County. This lot of nine bales comprised 66’s quality wool of fairly good bulk. Considered generally a little below specialty grade, it was taken by a wellknown firm in Scotland.

Another Scottish buyer paid 109 fed for four bales of 58 s quality halfbreds marked Willowbeen, from South Canterbury. Four bales of 56\s quality, marked Seaview, from the same area, went to a manufacturer of knitting wool at 103 d.