HOLIDAY FIRMNESS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 8

HOLIDAY FIRMNESS.

Although, holidays have this week inter- j fered'w.ith 7 th'e. ""daily 'round" and common task"-; of -the/ average business man, still wool W lost 'no' ground, .and if anything "prices -are the turn, stißfer. The recent eitreme-" pessimistic feeling has passed away, and holders of the' raw material are more' convinced than ever of the soundno&s of the situation. There is also about the market a feeling more akin to business, ia fact, more transactions are being qaSetly put through. Those -having wool -to sell find that ihey can. command customers if they are -prepared, to, accept values on" a par with London, and if anything colonial sorts are pe v haps the best to &M. The recent ease of id in English qualities is not sufficient for some Bradford operators, and they think that by holding off a little things Avill como their way. Country •dealers seemingly entertain an opposite opinion, and this is causing the two sections to assume a defensive attitude. Another big shipment of raw wool was declared at Bradford last month for the United States. and £170,289 is ihe highest monthly total smoe 1897. We can hardly expect tlis being maintained duriug tho present month, but some shipments are f-till" being made. Prices remain very firm— in fact, in Botanys the tendency i 3 for things to harden Fine merino spinners are much bettei off than those handling crossbreds, and the latter in many instances are allowing- their machinery to stand all the week. An average quotation to-diy for t^o-fold 1 W"yarn is Is ll^d, but the most that export houses are offering is Is lOd. This makes it impossible for yam spinners do business, honce we hear very strong complaints in that section of the market. An average price' to-day for a good 40's top is still 16d, with super 60's st 26id. _ Outside demand even -or tops is well maintained, and thig is causing holders of the law material to assume a very strong front. I daresay the majority are expecting slightly higher values when tho holiday season gets over, unless the big strike comes off in Lancashire, in which ease it will EP-riouslv

affect the woollen trade. Tho market continue? to wear a very cheerful and confident mooJ, and it is to be sincerely hoped that nothing will obtain to cause a set back either in prices or consumption. Irish wools are very steady, good demi-lustre hogs being quoted 12£ d, and black-faced all about Bd. A large number of people are away, End glad to seize the opportunity of a change. Mohair is very steady, a most hopeful feelmg prevailing regarding . the future.