Fencing Wire Scarce

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 69, 23 March 1937, Page 2

Fencing Wire Scarce

MARKED INCREASE IN PRICES. From Our Own Correspondent. HASTINGS, March 22. Fencing wire of all sorts is now in short supply, and has been subject fio marked increases in price recently as the result of recent heavy demands for armaments and also owing to the fact that many of the manufacturers of this material are fulfilling War Office contracts in the United Kingdom. It was stated to-day by the head of the produce department of one stock and station company in Hastings that fencing wire, and most other associated hardware lines were more difficult ,to obtain, and that prices were advanced as a result of the increased activity in armaments. Supplies were available, but, of course, the purchaser had to face the higher cost. It was learned from another source that importers of English wire have received advice of three rises, amounting altogether to £3 15s a ton, withiln tho last fortnight. The price varies slightly according to the brand, but tbe increase has been from about £l9 10s a ton to £23 ss. Australian wire has also risen in price by 25s a ton, and American wire has not been procurable for the last six weeks. Manufacturers advise that standards and other metal fencing materials are also very firm and are likely to rise in the near future. The withdrawal of American quotations from the New Zealand market, and the very high price for English wire, have forced tho bulk of the demand on to the Australian markot, which, even in normal times, is barely able to produce enough to meet tho requirements of the Commonwealth trade.