OUR YORKSHIRE LETTER.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 326, 30 January 1908, Page 7

OUR YORKSHIRE LETTER.

(By the "Manawatu Times" Special Correspondent.) A VERY WEAK SITUATION. Bradford, December 20, 1907.^ The Bradford market is in a very weak and flabby condition, and things are worse to-day than since the memorable slump year of 1900. It is somewhat difficult to adequately define the situation, for things are anywhere between the d and the deep sea. It may be a time to exercise courage and common sense, and nojdoubt these are the most required to stimulate both markets and men, but neither quality seems at present to be in evidence. All kinds of prices are being quoted for every description, and to-day it is not so much what an article is worth as what can be obtained. There are many holders who for weeks have been sitting on the fence and refusing to budge a fraction, believing that actual condition did not warrant the acceptance of lower prices, but these have at last come down from their exalted position, and in many cases are willing sellers if they can obtain a bid. The offers which are being made are in many cases extremely low, and as the majority of spinners refused to follow the strong upward move in October, they are to-day unwilling still to buy as they believe that lower rates will come at no distant date. I don't think I should have any difficulty ki buying a good super 60' a top at 2s Id, and 40's at and probably at even money. Getting an offer at all is to-day almost a favor, and I am certain that in no single quality is there the least evidence of strength. The financial situation is still regarded with anything but pleasant feelings, and decided uneasiness is fult over Germany. Remittances are few and far between, orders from that quarter are very limited, and "particulars" for delivery of old yarn contracts are not by any means plentiful. It is rather a pity that this financial crisis Ehould be on us at the close of the year just when stock-taking becomes general, and there is a universal desire to carry over as little as possible. Spinners keep going, but while the current output is in the majority of oases going off, still there is not coming in delivery particulars as spinners have been accustomed to during the past year. Export houses are naturally very much opposed to increasing liabilities with Germany, and a collapse there would be the most serious blow that could befall the wool trade to-day. All English wools are as slack as ditchwater, and there is nothing inspiring whatever in any department. Some fair purchases of mohair have been made at the Cape at the lowest prices of the year, but there is no move here I (To be continued to-morrow).