THE WOOL MARKET

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6488, 7 April 1908, Page 3

THE WOOL MARKET

fHE CLOSE OF THE LONDON SALES,

While it is satisfactory to know that iho decline In vaiuo of crossbred wools haa come to a atop, in fact improved somewhat on tho lowest prices realised liming the recent Loudon, series, tho improvement ha(> not bfeen due ito any increased demand but owing to the fact of the heavy withdrawals which forced manufacturers to compete for tho wools they required in order to meet engagements, The trad© has evidently been of a hand-to-mouth character. Many holders had lost heavily by purchases made In tho beginning of the season on a basis which subsequent demand did not warrant, and have been endeavouring to bear tho market in order to provide a means .of recouping themselves. The American and Continental sections of the trade are still in an usatisfactory state, and while this lasts no appreciable improvement can. be looked for. Tho heavy withdrawals from the present series can hardly bo expected to meet an improved market in May. Of course, it will all depend on the Continent and America. Decent competition, at all from these quarters must harden .the market and bring back crossbreds to a mor© satisfactory position. QUALITY AND METHOD OF MARKETING. The New Zealand crossbred clip this season haa not so far called forth the anathemas of buyers (says a trade authority), and fewer complaints aro heard of tho lack of length than was tho case last season. Condition varies somewhat, .some clips being particularly well grown and light, while others arc more yolky .and heavier in condition. It is more .than ever apparent that less skirting is being done, and little farmers' clips, and for that matter, some big clips as well, nro being carelessly prepared for market, -It is really paintul to see good fleeces ■being reduced a penny per lb because, of skirty pieces being left on* but that was very strongly in evidence at tho reoont tones of sales.