COMMERCIAL

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 14 April 1925, Page 5

COMMERCIAL

LONDON MARKETS

WEEKLY REVIEW

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

LONDON, April 11. . Since the end of March the conditions of the money market have become much easier, and the result has been a general improvement on the Stock Exchange. Most departments showed decided firmness of tone, though, business can hardly he described as brisk. Indeed, speculative operations are almost at a standstill. There is always a natural tendency to slackness as the Easter holidays approach. The French political crisis also caused operators to exercise caution.

The results of the tendering for army contracts for 1,500,000 tins of corned beef have not yet been officially divulged, but it is understood that the hulk will be supplied by the Argentine company of Sari Sinena, the remainder by Australia. The Australian and New Zealand apple and pear trade has opened auspiciously. Buyers are generally satisfied with the quality and condition of the fruit, though some Surreys (Victorian pears) are rather over-ripe, and consequently made low prices. The prospects are regarded as favourable, for with American boxed apples practically cleared the Dominions will have the markets almost to themselves and there is a good demand, not only in Britain, hut on the Continent. Business in canned fruits is quiet, hut traders are hopeful that a good demand will arise as the summer approaches. Tf warm weather comes Australian fruit should do well, as last year’s Californian padk is practically cleared, hut the question of price may prove a stumbling block.