N.Z. PRODUCE IN LONDON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3034, 8 May 1912, Page 20

N.Z. PRODUCE IN LONDON.

THE WOOL SAL^S. (From Ooh Own Correspondent.) LONJjON, March 26. For tho postponed second series of sales, to be held early next month, the limit fixed was 250,000 bales. This wa6 reached a few days ago, and the list is now closed. The Ruapehu, the Tokomaru, the Delphic, and the Morayshire were some of the vessels arriving in time for their wool cargo to be catalogued. With the addition of some old stock the total supply available for the series is 272,500 bales. Messrs Balmo say there has been no change in the position of the wool market during the past fortnight. The coal strike is still interfering with business in the English manufacturing districts. Advices from the Continent, however, are more favourable, and there appears to be a good demand for -wool from the American trade. In the London market there has been a good deal of inquiry, and some sales have been effected at full prices. Taking all the circumstances into consideration, the prospects for the coming auctions appear fairly satisfactory.

Sheepskin sales, too, have had to be postponed, tho sale opening to-day with about 5000 bales. All offerings were restricted to shipments available for the sales originally fixed for tho 14th March. Dates of subsequent sales are not changed. NEW ZEALAND MEAT. MUTTON—DEMAND GOOD. During the week arrivals of New Zealand sheep have been heavy, for the following vessels have docked: Star of India, Ruapohu, Delphic, Tokomaru, and Morayshire. The C. C. and D. Company report that it is still impossible to quote Canterbury mutton. North Island sheep now cover a wide range in prices for the various grades. Good small carcases are in strong request, and for these 4gd per lb is asked. Medium weights realise 3|d to 3|d per lb on average, and very heavy sheep are selling at prices down to 3£d per lb, which is also the value of ewes. I.AMB —SATISFACTORY PRICES, Receipts during the week include 167,706 carcases of lamb from New Zealand. The demand, according to the C. C. and D. Company, has been well maintained at a satisfactory level of prices. Canterburys are still in limited supply, and realise from sld up to 6d per lb. North Island lambs are more plentiful, and the demand for

heavy weight carcases causes this description to realise the most money at prices up to s§d par lb. Light weights are obtainable at sid to sgd per lb.

BEEF. Good frozen beef sells readily et slightly firmer prices, but the supply* is limited. New Zealand hindquarters are quoted at 4d to 4£d per lb, and forequarters at 3gd to 3id per lb. DAIRY PRODUCE. A DEPRESSED MABKET.

During the past week the demand for New Zealand and Australian butter has been slower than for any week since the coal dispute developed into a strike. Messrs Weddel and Co. say the failure of the Government to effect a settlement has depressed the market very considerably, and proces have declined to about 120 s to 122 s per cwt for Australian, and 122 s to 124 s for New Zealand.

The cheese market has not been so strong as it was last week, Messrs Weddel and Uo. attributing the change to the arrival, on the same day, of three steamers from « 18,5Z0cvvt arrived at West Coast ports. This large amount was more than the market could readdy absorb under present disturbed conditions. From July to date the K te .»! New Zealand cheese are 48,000 cwt m excess of last year, while Canadian has decreased by 71,000 cwt The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company say that the prolontra--tion of the coal strike has 'had the effect of demoralising the trade, and to effect sales very low Twioes have to be accepted, btocks are accumulating, and considerable quantities will go into cold store. The K-uapehu and the Delphic have lately added to the supply New Zealand butter is quoted at 122 s to 124 s per cwt. The market for cheese is slighter easier: New Z*>aWl ifwLl? at^ 3s Mto 74s 6d > coloured at 75s 6d to 74s 6d per cwt.