COMMERCE AND FINANCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18414, 21 May 1920, Page 6

COMMERCE AND FINANCE.

(BY OUR FINANCIAL EDITOR.) EXPORT OF HIDES. Tho latest statistics avaikiblo concerning iho expoit of hides reidei it possible to present a survey of tho quantities and vu.ues exported during tho last six years for tvvelveyinnth periods ending March 31, as follows.

The average price per hide for the period 1914-15 was 21s Old, and for tho period 1919- ■ BO 60s Id, an increase in average price oi ltu tier cent. Tho effect of the embargo on exports is shown in t)ia reduced returns iollow--1915-16, white the removal of the embargo ls D xeflected in tho increase xor 1919-20. ' WELLINGTON DEPOSIT. The balance-sheet of the Wellington Deposit, Mortgage and Building Association, whose financial year closed on March 31, shows a- profit of £2109 2s lid. A dividend of 6 per cent absorbs £ISOO. £209 is carried to reserve, and £lO9 l'2s lid carried forward. : TAUPIRI COAL. The Taupiri Coal Company's balance-sheet as at March 31 last showed a credit of 2913,677 10s 2d.. A dividend of S per cent on preference shares absorbed £lsS4_4s 6cl; 7i par cent on ordinnry shares, £9075. Ino «um of ‘•'2000 was placed to accident reserve and £IOIS 63 Sd was carried forward. WELLINGTON OPERA HOUSE. The balance to credit of t refit and loss account of the Wellington Opera House Company for the year was £l3Ol 9*. A dividend of 6 per cent on preference shaves and uj per cent on ordinary shares was declared, tho balance, £23 3s 7d, being earned lorward.

Year. Ko. Value. 1914-15 . . 421,831 447,000 1915-10 . . 528,163 505,200 1916-17 . 213,613 517,170 1917-1S , . 216,600 523,812 1918-19 . , 230,713 531,858 1919-20 . . 297,720 894,720