COMMERCIAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8247, 21 February 1905, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

THE AGENT-GENERAL'S REPORT. [Peh Press Association.] WELLINGTON^ February 21. The Department of Industries and Commerce has received the following cable message from the Agent-General, dated London, February 18:— "The mutton market is quiet. The amount in consumption is small, but there is a better tone in the market this week, although no change in prices has been recorded. There is - a better demand for New Zealand lamb. The average price to-day of brands other than Canterbury is 6d per Ib. The beef market has collapsed; supplies of American, chilled beef being large. Chilled River Plate beef is selling at, hindquarters 3d, forequarters 2fd. The butter market is very firm. There is a good demand for choicest New Zealand, which is quoted at 102s per cwt. The cheese market is quiet. Prices are slightly weaker, but are likely to improve. The average price of "finest New Zealand cheese is 51s per cwt. The hemp market is dull. The price of New Zealand hemp, 'good fair Wellington' grade, on spot to-day is £30 10s per ton, April to June shipments £30 per J:on. There has bee*n no alteration in the cocksfoot seed niarket since cabling last week. The wool /Wark'et is very unsettled. The market for fine crossbreds of all grades is steady, hut a further decline has taken place in medium and coarse cross-breds of all grades. Deliveries are now increasing rapidly. Current Bradford quotations for tops are : — 36' s low cross-breds Is 2d per lb,. 40' s low cross-breds Is 2Jd, 44 s medium cross-breds Is 3£d, o.O's halfbreds Is 6fd, 56's quarter-breds Is B£d, 60's merinoes 25." .f ■ -