THE ENGLISH MARKETS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 16, 21 January 1903, Page 4

THE ENGLISH MARKETS.

i Messrs James Morrison & Co. , Ltd. , London, report to their Nelson agents, Messrs Bisley Bros. & Co., under date sth December, as follows : — Wool : The 6th and concluding series of colonial wool sales for the current year commenced on the 25th ult., and closed on the 4th instant. Throughout the series there has been a very large attendance of buyers, and very keen and active competition has been experienced from all sections of the trade, with the result a substantial advance in prices all round has now to be recorded. # At the opening, prices of Merino wools, both scoured .and greasy, showed an average advance of o per cent, and as sales progressed prices of well conditioned greasy parcels further improved, and marked an advance of 7*.> per cent to 10 per cent op last sales closing rates, this level being well maintained until the close. Other descriptions of Merino have sold well, but without any material change on opening advance. Crossbreds have been the feature of the sales, and have met with the very keenest competition. At the opening, prices of fine descriptions showed an advance of 10 per cent, medium 15 per cent, and coarse 20 per cent, the two latter gaining strength as the sale advanced, closing at the best point in the series, and marking a rise of 23 per cent, and in the case of coarse qualities 30 per cent. ; Slips have not appreciated to the same extent as greasies, but haye sold well, finer grades showing 10 per cent, medium and coarse 15 to 20 per cent advance on last rates. As compared with closing rates of last series, we quote the following change: — . „ Scoured Merinos: Superior or nne, Id to l.id higher; medium, J&d .to Id higher; coarse or inferior, higher. Greasy Merinos: Superior or hne, id toljod higher; medium, J^d told higher ; coarse, or inferior, Jod higher. Scoured Crossbreds: Superior or fine, l}£d higher; medium, 2d higher: coarse or inferior, l*;jd higher. Greasy Crossbreds: Superior or line, i.'.d to Id higher: medium, liod higher, ; coarse or inferior, l^-id higher. Clips: Superior or fine, J-.jd to higher; medium, Id to Hod higher; coarse or inferior, Id higher. During the series 96,701 bales were ottered, of which about 44,000 h ave been taken for. export, includiugl 50 bales for America, whilst only 5000 bales were withdrawn, or held over for future realisation. There is little doubt that the dearness and scarcity of Merino wool has driven manufac- . turers thoroughly on to crossbreds, and we anticipate that recent levels of values for these will be well maintained, whilst for medium and coarser descriptions soine further movement may be experienced, as they are still below prices ruling during pievious years. Talllow: During the past three weeks three auctions have been held, at which 3958 casks have been offered, and only 839 sold. There has been a lack of demand, but prices are practically unchanged. In c.i.f. business, a sale of 100 tons mixed at 31s has been reported. Wheat and Oats; Prices for New Zealand are quoted nominal in the absence of supplies. A small parcel of oats was sold recently at 28s per 3841b5, ex store. Cocksfoot: New . Zealand seed, 15-161bs, GOs to 64a: 17-18lbs, 65s to 70s per ewt, ox store. Frozen Meat: Nothing of special interest has taken place during the last week or two. *| J rices are still very high, thus making it impossible for salesmeu to sell with any freedom. Retailers find little or no profit on their purchases. Lambs have been very slow of sale, and it has bjen difficult to obtain more than 3s 8d for the very primest quality. The more seasonable weather has improved the demand for beef, and the tone of the market generally i« more cheerful, Heuip: Since our last advices dull market has been experienced, with prices- easier. Business has been done— December- January shipments* £31 to £30; January-March ,£2,8 10s to £29 ss. Butter: New Zealand, 112s to 116s per cwt for finest : 108s to 110s good to fine.