COMMERCIAL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16050, 7 February 1918, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COMPANY. AUCKLAND, Feb. 5. The balance-sheet for the New Zealand Insurance Company for the year ended November 30. 1917, shows a net income from premiums, interest, and rents of £1,207,119. The available balance on the year’s transactions, including tho balance brought forward from the previous year, amounts to £160,174, from which is deducted a dividend of £26,250, paid in ‘ August last. 'The directors recommend tho placing of £60,000 to’ the reserve fund from the balance of £73,924; and-they recommend the payment of a dividend at the rate of 4s per share, and of a bonus of sixpence per share, absorbing £33,750, making* Bs.' per share for the year, and leaving a roc balance of £40,174't0 be carried forward, paid-up capital, reserves and undivided profit amount to £1,360,194 after providing for the dividend recommended. HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPORT. The Department of Agriculture, Industries. and Commerce has received the following cablegram, dated London, February 3-. from, the High Conimissionci* for New Zealand. (Note: Quotations, unless otlimwise specified, are average market prices on spot); Meat.— Market remains unchanged. All descriptions in active demand with short supplies selling at maximum prices. New Zealand lamb, limited amount has been released by order of the Government at Hid. Argentine beef, no supplies available. Frozen American beef is being offered in Jhe market’ by “ordar of the Government at maximum., prices, llpd and 97d. , Butter and Cheese.—No change since last report ; small supply continues in active demand at maximum prices. ■ Hemp.—Manila hemp, nothing fresh here. Reports indicate that United States Government will take control of purchase and distribution; no definite information available. Outputs, third week in January, 19,000 bales. New Zealand hemp, business is dull, and confined to parcels already shipped. Buyers net dispose-d to go on at present in view or uncertain delivery.

Wheat and Gate. Alarket very qniet; no change in prices.