Markets.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XV, Issue 857, 26 January 1861, Page 4

Markets.

LONDON WOOL REPORT.

November 24,1860.

The last sales of the year commenced on the Bth of November, the arrivals to that date consisting of r—Australian, 4,758 bales; Port Philip, 4,660 bales; Adelaide, 1,162 bales ; Van Dieraen's. Lund, 2,028 bales; New Zealand, 4,152 bales; Swan Kiver, 85 bales; Cape, 20,004 bales; total, 36,849.ba1e5; which number will be increased by about 5,000 bales of ■wools held over and those in second hands.

Notwithstanding the advance in'the Bank-rate to 6 per cent, the first day of this series, the attendance of home buyers was very large, and an animated demand existed for all descriptions at an average advance of Id, to l|d. on Sydney, Port Philip, &c, except Cape, which sold, in consequence of large arrivals, at about Id. less for good sorts, and l£d.pn inferior and short qualities, of which the supply is very large. The attendance of continental buyers was smallor than expected j their competition, however, during the last day or two has tended greatly to strengthen the prices of all stapled wools; and the sales to this date continue to progress with great spirit at full rates.

The accounts from the manufacturing districts are scarcely so good as a week since ; still the stock of wool in the hands of the manufacturers is so small, and the iuterval which must elapse before the new clip can be offered in March—viz., four months —so important, that all seem anxious to provide for probable requirements (but not more,) until the new clip is submitted, the arrivals of which are expected to be large and in good condition.

What the course of prices may be at the beginning of the year it is difficult even to conjecture, but the enormous consumption of the raw material, coupled with the absence of stock on which to fall back, is the best proof that consumption is, if pot exceeding supply, encroaching so much upon imports, that high prices are anticipated to rule next year for all descriptions, and a ready market at long rates will be found in London should the present satisfactory absorption of wool continue upon the present extensive scale. The only drawback is the possibility of ■ war in the spring; but should-our own Government keep free from engagements which might entangle us in a war, the healthy state of our trade will justify the grower in looking for high rates for some time.— Home News.