MERINOS STILL ECLIPSED

Otago Witness, 5 December 1900, Page 6

MERINOS STILL ECLIPSED

The situation in the wool market has not changed in any important particular during the past week ; the leading features are the same as at last writing. As the aays go hy the market presen ts more of a deserted appearandS, or, tc be more correct, all transactions are stopped in view of future developments, showing that buyers have full confidence that market rales are with them for all fine grades. Everybody is waiting patiently the opening of the London sales next week, the outcome being certain to play an important part on th». future of the market. Medium and coarse crossbreds are assured, it being anticipated prices will certainly move on a level 'with next series, though possibly 40's may t>e up before the series have gone far 5 per cent. This class of tons is the scarcest article at the moment in Bradford, and there seems tobe no diminution in either call or consumption. "They are scarce," is the language employed by many in describing the position of the article, but while that is hardly correct, it portraya the attitude of topmakers who, believing that better prices are in store are not free sellers at late prices. The best makers are asking 10|d for a good prepared top, and will not sell at less. But when wo come to speak of merinos, we might almost say that the less Jaid about them the better. Just at the moment they are suffering a complete eclipse, and how soon tha darkened object will move off tha face of the market it is impossible to say. Many people anticipate that holders of wool in London will not b» free sellers at the coming sales, antJ thus the process of doubt and insecurity will be prolonged, thus simply paralysing every merino department of the trade. It is amongst woollen manufacturers that we see to-day the greatest support for all fine grade wools, these evidently having in hand some decent orders for clothiers, our home and foreign Governments', wfio, we are glad to say, adhere strongly to fabrics made out of merino wool. Prices for 60's tops are unchanged, but even a 70' s can be bought to-day with freedom at 19Jsd.