COMMERCIAL

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 6, 8 January 1908, Page 8

COMMERCIAL

CfiRI^TCHURCH WOOL SALES GOOD ALL-R^UNlf PRICES.

[Special to Expbess.] CHRII3TCHURCH, Jan. 8. ' The third "of the current season's ■wool sales opened to-day, when catalogued aggregating 17,862 bales 'were submitted—an increase of 2360 bales as compared with the January sale of last year. The increase was mainly due to large withdrawals at previous .sales, in consequence of the unsatisfactory prices ruling. Compared with the wool offered at the corresponding sale last year the clip, taken' as a whole, was nob so good, the long period of dry weather with the resulting dust having affected the wool detrimentally. Many clipa showed considerable discolouration, and there was a notable absence or yolk. There was the usual attendance of buyers, Home and Colonial firms being fully represented. Prom the outset the demand showed & decided improvement on previous sales, and for nearly all lots there was '■keen competition, which was in markted contrast to the dullness which the opening sales. Halfbred and three-quarter-bred wool, which at last sale elicited little competition and was difficult to quit, even. '•at low prices, was keenly competed for at prices equal to |d to Id above rates ruling a month1 ago. Medium halfbreds werejn decidedly better demand, but super lines were unchanged. Merino sold remarkably well, the top price (13d) being obtained for eight bales of super combing from the Culverden Estate. Pieces and locks did not participate in the improved demand, but as the fall in this class has not been so marked, an advance in prices was scarcely anticipated.