COMMERCIAL.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12159, 6 February 1908, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

- UIGH COMMISSIONER'S KEPoET. The Department of Industries and Commerce has received the following cable from the High Commissioner, dated London, February 1:— The mutton market is dull and trade is very disappointing, there being or-lv *n hand to mouth demand. River Plate mutton is in large supply, and is being strongly pushed for sale. The following are the current quotations: — Canterbury mutton, 3%d per lb: North Island, 3^d : Australian, 2%d i River Plate, 3d per lb. There is a fair local demand foi this season's New Zealand lamb, Canterbury brands being quoted at 6d per lb. The beef market is weak, and there is no change in prices to report. The butter market is very firm, and"escited'on account of the falling off "of receipts. There are more buyers tban sellers, and there is general confidence in the maintenance of present prices. Choicest New Zealand butter has averaged 124s per cwt during last weeir. Tongariro butter> to be delivered next week, has been sold at 126s per cwt, and 128s per cwt is now asked, Australian outter is quoted at 1225: Argentine, 120s; Danish, 1275; Siberian, 117s per cwt. The cheese market ia quiet, with a tendency in favor of buyer. White makes are quoted at 59s 6d, colored 60s 6d per cwt. The hemp market is dull, and no immediate change is expeoted. The following are the current quotations :— Good, fair ' grade, on spot, £28 : fair grade, on spot, £27 ; fair current Manila, £28 10s. JanuaryMarch shipments, good fair grade, £27 10s: fair grade, £27 10s; fair grade, £26 15s: fair currant Manila, £28. Tbo cocksfoot; seed market; is quiet. Buyers are keen to do business, and there are light stocks on hand. Prices are firm, and bright, clean dressed seed, 171 b to the bushel, is quoted at 77s per cwt. The wool market is firm for meri nos. Crossbreds are quoted at %d lower than last quotations.