NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE IN LONDON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2511, 30 April 1902, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE IN LONDON.

(FeOU OUB OTTO CORRESrOKDEKT.) LONDON, March 14. On account of the dense fog which prevailed on Tuesday afternoon last, the opening of the second series of vrool sales for the current year was postponed until Wednesday evening, when thrse catalogues, comprising 10,519 bales (3685 bales being from Xew Zealand) were offered. I am told by Messrs Charles Balme and Co. that the attendance of buyers was laige, and competition was a-nimated, particularly from representatives of the Home trade. Prices for merino and fine crossbred wool ruled from par to 5 per cent, above the rates current at th"c close of the January-Feb-li.ary series, while for medium and coarse crossbred a rise of 5 per cent, to 7J per cent, over the preceding series was registered. Only a small quantity cf South African -wool was biought for.yard on Wednesday, consisting chiefly of greasies, which may be quoted fiom par to 5 per cent. de n rer. Messrs Balme add that the net available supply for the series consists of 252,104 bales (47,145 being from New Zealand), less abont 105,000 bales in transit, leaving 147,000 bales, to which has been added some 15,000 bales of old stock, leaving the available total p.t about 102,000 bales. By Messrs W. Weddel and Co. I am informed to-day that the demand for New Zealand butter has improved -duung the last two or threg days, ajid more business is passing. It looks as if the wholesale house? were rapidly exhausting their stocks, and would h?.ve to come on the market immediately to replenish their supplies. Values have fallen about 2s during the v/eek, mainly owing to a few holders having become nervous. At the end, however, there is a, better tone, and before the Tokomaru's butter is availoble there will be considerable scarcity. " Choicest " brands are now selling at 108s to 110s pet cwt. find "' finest ' remains unchanged at 101s to 106s. The demand for Is -per 1b retail butter has not slackened in the least. Tho Ruapshu left New Zealand this week with only about 15,000 boxes on board, rgainst the previous vessel's 25,000, and tho one before that of 30,000, so that shipments are rapidly falling away. Owing to the demand in New Zealand for butler for South Africa and for home consumption it is expected that enly two more vessels will bring butter this peason. New Zealand chesse is selling at about 2s per cwt lower than Canadian, "choicest" qualities of which are making 545, with an occasional 555, while " finest " is bringing 51s to 535. Messrs Weddel add that prices fcr New Zealand cheese are expected to make a further advance shortly.