MARKET FOR DAIRY PRODUCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2397, 8 February 1900, Page 16

MARKET FOR DAIRY PRODUCE.

£From Otje, Own Correspondent.)

LONDON, December 22. .-Writing from Glasgow, Mr H. R. M'Wil.iam (of Ih6 firm of Messrs Mathie and M'WitJiam, produce merchants) says that lately there has been a slow dragging sale for colonial butter at slightly easier prices. With the present colder weather, 'however, a better demand is being experienced, and an improvemenc in prices is looked for shortly. The flocks of last season's butter which were stored are now getting well reduced. In the opinion, of the firm with whose report I am dealing, it os thought that without doubt the large quantities of last season's stored butter very materially depressed the markets, and certainly created a bad impression in the minds oi Luyers. As a consequence of this, prices for the new |> season's butter have not advanced in "proportion to those of Danish and other Continental butter, and while Daiiish butter is quoted at 124-s, choicest colonial realises only 106s ; many choice brands of Australian butter are being sold in the Glasgow market at 104s. *The same report further states that the shipment of butter from New Zealand, brought by the s.s. Tonic, was in fine condition, and the choicest qualities were much liked by the Scottish buyers on account of their paler colour than was the case last year. "' While the best brands were perfect in make and flavour, we regret to state- that ' fishiness' characterised some of the butters under brands not so well-known," observe Messrs Mathie and M'William.

Messrs Weddel's report to-day furnishes khe information that this week the amount of business transacted in New Zealand and Australian butter is much restricted, buyers apparently having supplied most of their requirements last week. Prices have in many cases been pased so as to clear stock rather than hold them over the holidays. The present current prices for choicest are 102s-l(Ms, with an occasional 106s for something specially good. Nothing so high as 108s has been recorded this week. Messrs Wedclel now point out that the authority for the statement that Canadian butter is being re-shipped to Canada proves untrustworthy. It is to the United States that the re-shipment is taking place.