WANGANUI MARKET REPORT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19532, 13 March 1926, Page 9

WANGANUI MARKET REPORT

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL THE WEEK IN REVIEW Business during the week has been well maintained at a steady and satis factory level. In some quarters it is reported as not being quite up to w’hat it should be but generally there is a good volume of turnover.' Boisterous weather of late has had the effect of Stimulating winter trade and several retail departments have been busy as a result. Wanganui drapers are now fairlv well stocked with their new seasons goods and from what is already showing prices arc on a par, and in some cases cheaper than last year. GROCERIES Ceylon Tea. The total quantity of tea offered on the .nd instant at the Colombo sale came to 1,700,000 pounds, which showed a reduction of 200,000 pounds on the quantity offered during the previous Quality showed a slight falling off, but, notwithstanding this, the general demand was fair, and although some common and low medium parcels were irregular in price, the general trend of these grades was firm, with medium to good brokens stronger and dearer. Exchange was quoted at 1/6 13-32. Coffee. Preliminary estimates place the 19251926 yield of coffee at Porto Rico at approximately 26.000.000 pounds. No estimates regarding the size of the 3924-25 crop are available, but exports during the year totalled 23,781.000 pounds. It is impossible to get any data regarding consumption, but the indications are that the 1925-26 crop will be substantially larger than that of the previous season. Ginger. A considerable fall in price of Cochin ginger is advised for shipment by a direct steamer to Sydney this month. Practically all the business in this lino has already been done at old rates, and on this account it is not expected local prices will respond. It is difficult to account for the fall in price, as indications all along have been to the effect that a firm market prevailed. Butter. ’ The welcome rain which commenced at the close of January, completely altered the dairying outlook as it gave new life to the pastures altering the whole aspect of country districts, after a few weeks of anxiety to the farmers. The result of marked improvements to the pastures has been reflected in an increased production of butter. General Drapery. The stormy weather this week decided buyers to lay in their winter wants and several of the retail departments have been busy in consequence. Both men’s and women’s top coats have been in demand and the colder weather has also stimulated the wants in heavier underwear. Trade is undoubtedly on the slow side at present, but the advent of colder weather and the coming of Easter should mtake for a change. Local drapers are now fairly stocked with their new season’s goods and from what is already showing prices are on a piar—and in some cases cheaper—with last season’s. As the direct result of representations made on behalf of the trade the Salvation Army will curtail its activities in retail trading and in places like Wellington and Christchurch where their shops operated, local retailers should reap the benefit. In Whnganui this was rarely—if ever—indulged in. The Drapers’ Federation certainly made a good move when they went to headquarters on this matter. The Woollen Market. Quite fa stimulating effect has been given the manufacturing trade now that recent sales have upheld prices for raw wools and both Home and here more optimism prevails than has done for six months past. The low’er quotations for winter supplies given by New Zealand mills has resulted in a goodly (aggregation of orders and as these are now being delivered the domestic trade should begin to 1 ‘buck up.” At the same time it has to be remembered that the New Zealand mills arc now producing good goods at competitive prices and in some ranges seen this week it will take British makes all their time to give better prices for silk and wool mixture lines than local mills. Altogether our New Zealand products in underwear, outerwear and piece goods have improved out of knowledge during the past 10 years. The, substitute “Sniafil” does not seem to be 1 ‘ cutting ihe ice” as was predicted in the earlier stages and manufacturers arc using the line much in the same admixture w*ay that the artificial silk is used in cotton. “Sniafil” will assuredly help wool to produce newer effects and apparently will not oust wool from its present governing position. The Cotton Trade. Things have “brisked up” since our last writing and the cables illustrate the fact that raw cotton is climbing back to last November—los lid—rates and as these prices look like holding ; manufacturers, who booked much business ahead at under these figures, have had to stiffen up rates for immediate deliveries. Business has been done fairly solidly on these lines and as the spinning trade did not produce as much raw cotton as was sold in January, things larc brighter now than for some time past. New Zealand is well covered for cotton piece requirements and this quarter’s impbrts show no sign of lessening. “Rayon” is stimulating sales in some cotton manufacturing quarters and both America and Britain are ‘ iare vieing with the Continent in giv- . ing effect to fashion’s wants which arc becoming more varied from day to i

day. Both lt Rayon” and “Sniafil” have la “cold” feel and it remains to be seen how these goods will be taken up by wearers of underwear. Some “Rayon” lines seen this week tire amongst the most sightly drapery linos we have seen and readily enhance the value of any materials they are mixed with. HARDWARE. The hardware trade during the week has been well maintained. Fairly heavy arrivals of general hardware have come to hand lately and further shipments arc due at an early date. LOCAL PRICES. Prices are quoted locally for the undermentioned lines as follows: — Feed barley, 6s 6d per bushel. Fowl wheat, 9s to 9s 6d per bushel. Tares, 12s pei bushel. Feed maize. 8s 6d p?r bushel. Cocksfoot (Danish) Is 3d. Standard Akaroa, Is 4d. Perennial ryegrass, Ss per bushel. Italian ryegrass, 7s 6d per bushel. Western wolths, 7s 6d. Alsyko, Is 3d per lb. Danthonia pilosa, 2s 6d per lb. Red clover (imported), Is 4d. White clover, 2s 6d. Trefoil, lOd per lb. Timothy, lOd per lb. Crested dogstail. Is 9d per lb. Poa Pratensis, 2s 3d per lb. Blenheim chaff £ll 10s per ton.