LONDON PRODUCE MARKETS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 158, 24 July 1889, Page 2

LONDON PRODUCE MARKETS.

\ [N. Z. L. it M. Circular, Jnna 15.] I New Zealand Hemp.— Under pressure of exceptionally heavy heavy supplies, the r value of New Zealand fibre, notwithstanding , a rise in the quotations for Manila, has L declined during the past month to the extent , of 60s to 70a per ton, and at the fall it has [ been somewhat difficult to move. Sales at , auotion and privately amount to about 1800 . bales, the 'bulk consisting of good medium descriptions, which have realised abonfc £34 ; per ton, fnlling eventually to £31 per ton ; while well cleaned fibre has changed hands ab £32 per ton. Bat a limited enquiry haß existed for common, coarse, ond strawy parcels, and transactions have taken plaoe at £23 per ton. In the present unsettled state of the market buyers show no disposition to operate for forward shipment. With reference to the remarks contained in our isßue No. 357, with respeot to the necessity for oara being exercised in the preparation of New Zealand hemp for |thia market, the condition in whioh much of the fibre has reoently coma to band, both on . consignment and in satisfaction of forward contract 9 , renders it desirable again to bring fchifl subject under the notice of Bhippers, In particular, we may mention that many parcels sold to arrive on tho bads of " fair " Quality have fallen nmoh below that standard, principally owing to imperfeoti dress, ing, thus involving {appeals to arbitration and awards against sellers. Apart altogether from the friction and loss thus oooasioned it must be borne in mind that unless greater regularity is shown in snob deliveries buyers will deoline {jo purchase New Zealand hemp on this basis, and the efforts to obtain for this fibre a larger area of consumption w|ll be counteracted. Tow continues slow of sale, and values are only nominal* Manila closes steady aft £51 per ton on the spot and by distant steamer jssO per ton c,i.f, Sisal unify forced sales has dropped to £48 to £49 pfer ton, at whiqh price 100 bales Joave been sold in Liverpool, We quote :— Superior soft, bright hemp,

£35 to £36 per ton; Good quality, well dressed, £32 to £33 per ton ; Medium, fair to good, £31 to £31 10s ; Common—coarse and strawy, £23. Hops.— Shortly after the date of our last issue reports from the plantations pointed to a serious attack of the Aphis fly in all districts, and although no great harm has yet been done, the bine maintaining its vigorous growth, the uncertainty prevailing as to the extent of the damage, and the consequent effeot on the forthcoming crop, has tended to give a very firm tone to the market, and a considerable business has been done at an average advanoe of about 15a per owfc. Wr quote :— Seleated Choice Kent Goldings, 1838, none ; Inferior qualities, £3 15b to £7 7s per cwt ; Sussex, £8 10s to £5 ; Weald of Kent, £4 to £6 6s ; Bavarian, £8 3s to £6 10s ; American " States, " £5 to €6 6s ; American " Paoifio Coast, " Ai 5s to £6 10s; New Zealand, none.