TRADE OF THE WEEK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22431, 29 May 1936, Page 7

TRADE OF THE WEEK

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE BUSINESS CONTINUES BRISK TOBACCO DELIVERY DATE On account of the heavy orders for June delivery which have been sent out during the week, wholesale merchants in Auckland have been experiencing a busy period. Very satisfactory bookings were made and the demand covered a wide range. The tobacco delivery for the period June 1 to Juno 15 will be made to both town and country on Monday. Steady conditions rule in tho retail trade, where tho recent spell of fine weather has resulted in increased buying.

Overseas conditions are fairly steady, but very few price changes have been notified. At this week's Colombo tea auction tho market for medium and good kinds advanced by Id per lb. EASTERN MARKETS Singapore sago and tapioca maintain last week's rates, both markets being steudy. Pepper is ' unchanged. but nutmegs are slightly dearer. CANNED MEAT The price for canned meat produced by a Wellington firm has been advanced by about 0 per cent. following a similar increase by Auckland packers about three weeks ago. PINEAPPLES The Singapore market for pineapples remains fairly steady, with little alteration in values. The next direct steamer to arrive in July or August will bring the main shipment of the year and good business has been booked. DESICCATED COCONUT There hus been an advance of Is 3d per cwt. in the c.i.f. prices of desiccated coconut, and the market is very firm. Supplies are almost exhausted and severul shippers are refusing business until about a month. HARDWARE Business is being well maintained in hardware. agricultural implements and building supplies. There is a general demand and merchants are of the opinion that conditions all round are better than at thiS time last year. PAINT Paant dealer* report an exceptionally good demind for this period of the year. The broken weather since Christmas has retarded the normal sales, but a marked improvement has been shown since the recent long spell of fine weather. AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS The date fixed by the Commonwealth Dried Fruits Control Board n9 the latest that sultanas would be shipped falls at the end of. this month, and local merchants are anxiously awaiting developments, as no orders could be booked beyond May shipment. TEA The quantity catalogued for this week's Colombo tea auction totalled 2,625,0001b., and some up-country estates showed an improvement in quality. There was a good demand. Common and low medium grades were irregular and slightly easier. Medium and good sorts were strong, with an improved duality, and the market advanced Id per lb. Next week's auction will comprise 2,250.0001b. A trade report for March states that the quality showed a _ decline each week. The usual fine tea, which is normally to be expected in March, was not received. Weather conditions were asain most irregular, with heavy rains and temperatures above normal. There was a firm market for commonest to low medium sorts, which the exception of orancre pekoes, which eased after the first suction Medium and better kinds were irregular and easier, prices closely following ouality. In the closine sale of the month there was a general decline for all grades

EXPORT CHILLED BEEF JUDGING AT SMITHFIELD The results of the Smithfield judering of 31 cattle exhibits at the last Morrinsville show in a class for a single steer most suitable for the chilled beef trade have been issued. The entries were judged by Smithfield experts, who awarded the prizes as follows:—W. MpLean (Walton), 1; B. L. Orr (Hoe-o-tainui), 2; C. Morgan (Peria), 3; W. McLean (Walton), 4. The placings at the show were: Mr. Orr, 1; Mr. Morgan, 2; while judging at the Horatiu freezing works placed Mr, J. Clu!ow (Piako) first, and Mr. Orr second. It is reported that the cattle made a great display on the Smithfield market and drew very high praise from the meat experts who inspected them. The opinion was expressed that there' was no doubt that if New Zealand could consistently ship this class of beef and get the same quick transit as with this shipment, the New Zealand chilled beef business would soon be on a sound basis.