PRODUCE MARKETS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 100, 30 April 1914, Page 2

PRODUCE MARKETS.

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT.

The Department of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce has received the following cablegram from the High Commissioner for New Zealand, dated London, Jtsth April (quotations unless otherwise specified, are average market prices on spot) : Mutton.—The market is becoming more depressed on account of large arrivals. The demand has been chiefly tor light weight. Canterbury, 4fd per 1b; heavy weights are-difficult to sell at 3|d; North Island, 4id for light weight. .

Lamb.—There js a fair demand for better grades. The market has been unfavorably affected by the lower prices of mutton." Canterbury two's 6id per-lb, heavy weights ojdj other than Canterbury, 0 15-16 d for light weight. Beef.—The market is very dull. Quotations are nominal. -Hinds, 4|d per lb ; fores, 3id. Supplies of American chilled beef are large. Chilled hinds, 4|d per lb; fores, 3 o-16d. Butter.—The. market is quiet but rather steadier. Danish, in'fair demand, per cwt, 114s to 116s; New Zealand, in fair demand, 106s to 108s: unsalted, 114s to life; Australian, 100s to 104s; exceptionally choice, 108s; Argentine, market slow, $3s to 102s; Siberian, in poor demand, 99s' to 102s; American creameries, 98s to 100b.

Cheese.—The market is firmer,.with a fair demand for New Zealand. Canadian market quiet, white per cwt, 68s to 70s; colored, 69s to 71s. New Zealand, Avhite. 61s 6d to 625; colored 64s to 64s 6d. Australian, white, 59s 6cl to 60s; colored, 62s to 635.

Hemp.—The masrket is excited on account of the .Mexican crisis, and prices have been .advancing rapidly. Manila: The market is firmer. Shippers are holding off. Fair current, £28 per ton; May to Jul yshipments, £29. The output? from Manila for the week was 20,000 bales. New Zealand : The market is very firm. Business has been done.in,high points at £25 10s per ton. To-day's value, June to July shipments, about £26 10s; fair, £24 10s during this week, now £25 10s; good fair, nominally £.27 per ton^ but there are no sellers. Sisal: \Landed sisal is nominally unchanged, but.no offers are obtainable from Mexico, as it appears probable that the war is likely to prevent shipment. Stocks at Progreso at end of March, 1914, 61,334 bales, against 112,265 bales last year; shipments during March, 1914, 113,779 bales, against 48,379 during March,

Tow.—The market is firmer. Spot sales this week include tliird grade. £13 per ton, second grade £14. Wool.—The market is firm, with a hardening tendency for merinos. Fine crossbreds, all grades,, prospects are favorable.

Hops.—The market is steady, with an improved demand. English, 120s to loOs per cwt, Continental 100s to 200s, Californian 80s to 110s.