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Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 14, 1 June 1872, Page 3

The rise in the value of wool, unprecedented both in extent and duration, has suggested the inquiry how long these high rates are li-ely to last, and whether prices have seen the highest point. In dealing with probabilities it will be well to investigate the causes that huve led to this rise; and foremost nm>t be placed an immensely increased ioivign demand, no less than 66 per cent, of tin. , quantity sold at the February series having been taken by Continental buyers. This points to great activity amongst French and German manufacturers, the result, doubtless, of a partial suspension of business during , the war, by which stocks of manufactured goods were greatly reduced, indeed almost annihilated. If this were the only cause, a return to lower prices might be looked for at no distant date—as soon as the vacant shelves have been refilled. But there is reason for assuming that the demand for wool has been permanently augmented. The scarcity of cotton occasioned by the American war, and the subsequent high range of prices for that raw material, have together led to the manufacture of a class of goods in which wool displaces ;i portion of cotton. The low values of wool prevailing 15 mouths and upwards Mμo, have led to a vast increase in the manufacture of these fabrics, and a demand has been established for them which will in fntnrehaveto beregularly supplied. Although, therefore, a certain amount of reaction may be anticipated when the Continental stocks have been replenished, wool-growers have reason to look forward to steadily remunerative rates for their annual staple.— k ' Australasian."