N.Z. PRODUCE IN LONDON

Otago Witness, Issue 3148, 15 July 1914, Page 20

N.Z. PRODUCE IN LONDON

(Feoji Oce Own Coeeespondent.) LONDON, May 29. Since the close of the recent wool sales there have been no fresh developments in the market. Messrs Balme mention that some inquiry has been experienced in London for greasy merinos and fine crossbreds, as well as for Cape snow whites, which has resulted in the sale of a few parcels at prices fully on a par with those ruling at the end of the series. In the country districts values of the different grades of “top” are firmly maintained, especially in the case of merinos and the finest crossbreds, stocks of which are within a small compass. Trade, however, is not very active, the high rates current for the finer classes of wool causing considerable embarrassment to manufacturers, as at present they are unable to obtain commensurate prices for their goods. The next sales will open on July 4-. It is noted by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Go. that new business at the manufacturing centres is reported to be slow, and users are buying sparingly. The Continental export trade is dull, but there is a fair demand for merino and fine and medium crossbred on American account. GRAIN. Wheat: The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company states that in Australasian for arrival a good many cargoes have changed hands at 37s to 37s 4J>d per 4801 b, c.i.f., January-March bill of lading. Oats: These have been in request at about Is per quarter advance, but the demand has now fallen off. “A” Gartons are offering at 21s 3d to 21s 6d per 3201 b, c.i.f., but buyers are difficult to find. Beans: There is little demand, but holders are firm. Maple Peas: Inquiry is good; 49s per 5041 b, c.i.f.. has been paid for a second-hand parcel of No I quality. COCKSFOOT. The sowing season is now over, and there is very little seed on hand. New crop Danish is offering forward at 55s to 56s per cwt, c.i.f., but' buyers are scarce. A sale of New Zealand 171 b seed is reported at 64s per cwt, c.i.f., but this (according to the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency) is not credited in the trade. Good reports of the American crop have been received, and buyers are now awaiting definite informalion before, operating. FLAX. A fair amount of business has been passing in New Zealand flax at prices which have fluctuated in sympathy with Manila. The market closes quiet, with values about on a level with those last quoted—namely: Good fair “spot,” £26 10s. (nom.); July, £26 10s to £27; fair “spot,” £23 10s(norri.), May-July. £23 15e to £24 ; and fair current Manila £26 15s to £27 per ton, c.i.f. Tow has been in demand at advancing prices. There is a quiet tone at the close. No. 2 is quoted at £l3 10s to £l3 15s, and No. 3 at £l2 15s per ton, c.i.f. NEW ZEALAND MEAT.

In the report of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company it is remarked that the demand for mutton has been extremely unsatisfactory for a month past, and with large arrivals prices declined. There has been an improved demand lately for sheep under 481 b, and prices have gone up a little. In lamb a good trade has been passing, and prices (especially for lightweights) have advanced. Frozen beef has met with a better inquiry. Quotations are: Canterbury mutton, to 4|d; North Island mutton, 3-£d to 4|d; N.Z. ewes, 3d to 3gd; Canterbury lamb, to 6|d; North Island, s|d to 6gd; hindquarters N.Z. beef, 4Jjd to 4|d; forequarters, 3|d to 3£d per lb.. DAIRY PRODUCE. With the exception of New Zealand butter prices this week are slightly easier. Owing to scarcity N.Z. salted is quoted firm at 108 s to 110 s per cwt, but as there is practically none on offer quotations for unsalted are more or less nominal at 114 s to 116 s per cwt. Finest New Zealand white cheese is quoted at 60s per cwt, and coloured at 63s to 63e bd. with cheese of deep red colour as high as 64-5 per cwt. Supplies of New Zealand butter are said by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency to be very short, so that choicest now commands 106 s to 109 s per cwt, and occasionally 110 s, secondary qualities fetching 102 s to 104 s. Tho demand for coloured New Zealand cheese has shown more activity, and is now scarce and firm in price. White has been slow ot sale, but a better tone was manifest at tho close, prices, however, remaining unchanged on the week. Canadian cheese is in very short supply, s and is firm.

FRUIT-TREE CULTURE.

DEMONSTRATION AT OUTRAM BY OTAGO ORCHARD INSTRUCTOR. An interesting and instructive demonstration on the pruning of fruit trees on scientific lines was given on Tuesday, 7th inst., by Mr W. T. Goodwin, Government orchard instructor, in the orchard of Mr A. M'Donald, Outram. About 50 persons, including a few ladies, were present. A heavy fall of rain about midday prevented a good number from attending. A feature was the presence, earlier in the day, of a large contingent of school children, accompanied by Mr Strong, head master of the Outram School. The lecture and demonstration were followed with great interest by the young people, and in a district like Outram, which is quickly coming into prominence as a fruit-growing centre, the value of such practical work is highly beneficial. The orchard was an ideal one for such a demonstration, the trees treated ranging from three to seven or eight years old. In addition to showing the proper method to adopt with the young trees, the lecturer also pointed out, on the old trees, mistakes which had been made in pruning by inexperienced operators when the trees were young. The trees treated comprised, pears, apples (Jonathan, Rymcr, Cox’s Orange, etc.), and peaches, two to four years old. The robust growth of the latter was remarkable, the trees being particularly clean and healthy, clearly showing that peaches will thrive in Outram as well as in Central Otago. The treatment required for different varieties of fruit trees was fully ex-

plained and demonstrated in a clear and practical manner. At the conclusion, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Goodwin for his very interesting lecture and demonstration. The president of the Taieri A. and P. Society, in moving a vote of thanks, expressed the hope that Mr Goodwin would return next season and further treat the trees. In reply, Mr Goodwin intimated that it would give him great pleasure to come to Outram next year. It may be mentioned that Mr Goodwin, in response to numerous requests, intends to give a demonstration and lecture at Kaitangata, but has not yet fixed a date. SOUTHLAND FROZEN PRODUCE. INVERCARGILL, July 12. The following figures show the exnort of frozen lamb, mutton, and rabbits from the three Southland works during the five months ended. June 30. As killing did not commence until February, there were no shipments in January; Lambs. Mutton. Rabbits. February ... 489 4,545 March ... 1,728 9,002 April 31,028 38,411 May 14,380 19,627 1.349 June ... 31,613 45,370 4,450 Totals ... 79,238 116,959 5,799