WEEKLY REVIEW.

Northern Advocate, 4 June 1920, Page 4

WEEKLY REVIEW.

i>i;uuU(!i<;, jijox, ltc. AUCKLAND, .luue ::. lion and Shtl: A report from Ji'nminghani explains that production is increasingly diuiculv, hugely on aecouui. of i'uel shortage. The. demand for pigiron is enormous, and cannot possibly tie mot, but this is mainly owing to the impossibility of making anything . like the average quality. All kinds of iron are commanding substantial premiums over the list prices. It is impossible for the Staffordshire mills to deal with half the demands made upon them. In Sheffield a most remarkable trade activity is reported. The abounding prosperity of the steel trade goes on increasing, and does not appear to have reached its zenith yet. It is said that high prices are beginning to act as a check on export trade, and (hat some export, buyers have cancelled running contracts on this account, but the effect of any such step is negligible. From all parts of the world orders are pouring in, and if Sheffield had twice its present productive capacity ready employment could be found for the whole of it. Wool: The cables make fiequont reference to the fall in.wool, but quotations for cloth are no lower. During the past few days private cables have even indicated an advance in cloth for suitings, and it looks as if the huge demand is not nearly satisfied. Fuel and Light: The trade is dislocated by more shortages of stock' than have ever been experienced. Before the winter is far advanced a most pronounced' scarcity of candles has manifested itself. As kerosene is unobtainable, the position is very serious in country districts that are not provided with gas or electricity. Even in the cities the position is not at all comfortable. Fuel of all descriptions is scarce, and only small quantities are being delivered. Groceries: Several advances are reported, but reductions are hard to find. Locally-made-starch is practically unobtainable, and a cable advises a sharp advance in the principal brand imported. The same firm advises an advance in washing blue. Corn brooms are up about 10 per cent. Local flour is up 10s per ton, and bran and pollard 5s per ton. Some manufacturers have put up their biscuits, and others can hardly execute orders at all. Lollies have, been steadily rising, and are difficult to obtain in quantity. Cigarettes and tobacco are very scarce, and any litle shipment is picked up at once for distribution. Wax vestas are unobtainable, and safeties nearly out. All Southern goods are in short supply on account of the shortage of shipping on the coast, while local manufacturers are every day advancing the price "of something, largely on account of tho increasing cost of raw materials, paekingand labour. Potatoes: Good stocks are held here, but shipments will be less for the future. The Southern market is firmer, on account of the hopes of export that are entertained. The crops were large, and the quality good, so that there ought to be a surplus for export. Under these circumstances it is disappointing that some lots to hand lately are poor, and showing signs of blight. Market continues weak at 10s. Onions: Market is overstocked with poor grades, and this keeps the price down to about lis to 13s, according to quality. Growers are hoping to find an outlet in Australia before long. Oats: The market is very firm, and best fed realises 7s ex store. Orders for Australia are ■ now in, and the drought may cause a heavy demand. Flour: Local mills have advanced their price 10s per ton, to compensate for increased freight and other charges. Bran and Pollard: Both arc up 5s per ton, but this is only nominally the position, as stocks arc almost unobtainable. Chaff: Australian demand is firming the market in the South, and local price has advanced to £15 10s for best quality. Local chaff is not coming in.

iVfaize: An unsalis/ied demand is taking up-all supplies tliat arrive, the price being 10s ;:d on the wharf in wholesale lines. Fertilisers: A Utile Australian bone: cinsL has arrived, and is noiiiinally worth £~1. Uiit'ortunat* ly slocks of all kind.-- are exceedingly scarce. I'lnx: The market remains dull in ftiigland and Anteiiea. and fheie is absolutely no inquiry. Kauri Cmiii: This is in exactly the u\>posite position. An unsatisfied demand continues, and all descriptions are working off immediately on arrival.