THE HOP MARKET.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1411, 11 April 1912, Page 8

THE HOP MARKET.

TASMANIA* POSITION SUMMARISED. Dealers in hops aro much concerned at the high priccs demanded for Ta-smanian hops' (says the Sydney ''Herald" of April It was thought that the market would open at about Is. 4d. f.o.b. Hobart, in comparison with Is. 2d. last year, but these expectations have been disappointed, still higher rates ruling. Growers held oil the market, believing that in view of the high prices of English and American hups buyers would have to come up to their ideas, more especially as it wits generally recognised that the yield was" below that of last season, which was above the average. The yield has proved smaller, some gardens picking as much as 2."i per cent, balow last year, and tho total picking of Tasmania being from 7M to 1000 bales lower than the previous season. Latest advices received in Sydney are to tho effect, that for ordinary brewers' hops Is. fi!d. to Is. 7d. f.o.b. Hobart is asked, and for anything better Id. more has to be paid, while for Shoobridge's Saaz dried hops as high as Is. lid. per lb. f.o.b. Hobart has been obtained. At these prices ordinary brewers' 'hops'would' cost laid down in Sydney Is. fld., and better qualities Is. :od. per lb. Stocks on spot in Hobart aro very small. This state of affairs lias been brought about by " the speculation of hop factors in another State, who have bought heavily in an endeavour to corner the market. At tho rates which have been mentioned, sales aro pending. Xo word has been received of New Zealand hops, but naturally the high prices of Tasmanians would strengthen their position. Malt continues at lalo high rates, and some largo orders have been placed for new' malt, with extended delivery over next summer. Victorian is selling up to !)s. delivered, and' English lip (o Us. Isinglass is without change.