WOOL SLIGHTLY IMPROVED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2251, 22 April 1897, Page 6

WOOL SLIGHTLY IMPROVED.

On the surface the market during the week under review has certainly presented no changed aspect to its immediate predecessors, but below it is felb that ab least in raw materials there is considerably more changing hands. There are those who are inclined to think that the neir future will see considerably more doing, meu in each department are more cheerful, and if strong undercurrents are worth anything this is present in increasing force. As showing that the consumption of raw wool is iv good consumptive demand, commission wool combers are much busier than at any previous period since the opening of this year, and from strict inquiries came the answer readily: " Tops are going out sham." While

] tliis is an agreeable feature in no sense to be despised, it cleirly shows th»t consumption I elsewhere is not at all diminished, but that the ' t ndency is in the oppositi direction. In cross- | bred tops men find consumers not as keen aud exacting, and where current prices arc the basis of the transaction topmakers and dealeis can sell. There is ul«o a moderate inquiry for the iiuor quality of croesbreds, and even 4O'« still command a full share of support. In merinos things continue tame and sluggish, and although there is a little more asking of what one has, price inv?riably stops a possible sale. One feature of significance is the presence in the market of two or three ■srell-kuown large American wool buyers representing manufacturing concerns. Soma respectable deals we reported, embracing English Lincolns, Irish, Shropshire, and wools of a La'fsred class, bub price has been » principal feature of the transaction. While this is entirely speculation in anticipation of an increase in tariff, home manufacturers also see in these shiptneuts a mighty power to be battled with in the shape of, domestic manufactured textiles later on. Local dealings in mohair continue to bo of a very diminished nature, bub transactions abroad *t very full values ke<3p matters here very firm. In yarns there does not seem to bo much increaso ot life, but merchants are disposed to placa more ordori if spinners would accept their terms. This they refuse stoutly to do, as already their quotations are on " rock-bed." The piece branch of business still continues very unsatisfactory, and very few orders are comicg to hand.