19

H.—l7

Wool.

It is pleasing to record a very substantial improvement in the market for crossbred wools. The twelvemonth opened with the market at almost its lowest ebb. Later on, however, unexpectedly heavy consumption of these classes of wool completely changed the aspect of affairs. October witnessed a turning-point, and at the December sales prices rose about Id. all round. At the January and March sales prices fluctuated, but at the close of the latter series the December level was firmly maintained for the coarser grades, while the fine classes secured a further advance of about per pound. Taken as a whole, the outcome of the year must be regarded as satisfactory, though, of course, there is still room for much improvement in the price of the coarser grades. A good tone now prevails in the market for all classes, and it is hoped that New Zealand farmers will experience further improved returns in the near future. Merino wool, largely owing to the Australian shortage, has steadily advanced during the twelvemonth, and occupies a very strong position. Cocksfoot-seed. Owing mainly to the American crop not coming up to expectations, holders of New Zealand cocksfoot-seed had, during several months, the benefit of very high prices. The spring demand, however, in this country and on the Continent is reported as having been disappointing, and prices have receded considerably. Buyers during the last month or two have been disinclined to do business, and prospects are not encouraging for a recurrence of last year's rates being paid for New Zealand seed. Tallow. As indicated for many other lines of produce, the market for tallow during the past year has been a satisfactory one. For a considerable portion of the twelvemonth, consequent on the decreased supplies of mutton and beef from Australia, shipments of tallow received on the London market were in comparatively limited compass. As a result prices hardened, and demand continuing for a considerable time good, the returns obtained by shippers were considerably above those realised for several previous years. All grades were affected by the shortage, and fine tallows rose as high as £1 17s. 6d. per ewt. for best brands. " Premier Jus," which is largely used in the manufacture of margarine, and for which the chief demand is ori the Continent, reached £2 9s. per cwt. Tallow exported by the New Zealand refrigerating companies has a good reputation on the London market, and according to the respective brands is well competed for. Towards the end of the twelvemonth, with reports of increased shipments from the colony, the market became inactive, and finer sorts especially, on account of the exceptionally high prices that had ruled for them, became neglected compared with those qualities the values of which were more moderate. At the end of March the prices ruling for " Fine New Zealand Mutton " were £1 13s. to £1 14s. per cwt., and for " Fine New Zealand Beef," £1 11s. to £1 13s. per cwt. I have, &c, H. C. Cambbon, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Produce Commissioner.

C.—BEPOET OF PBODUCE COMMISSIONEB ON A VISIT TO BEITISH PEOVINCIAL DISTRICTS. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 16th April, 1902. In accordance with your instructions I have, during the past few weeks, accompanied Mr. Gow, the Trade Bepresentative, on an extended tour of the chief centres of distribution of New Zealand produce in this country. In order to afford Mr. Gow an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the merchants chiefly interested in New Zealand produce to whom I introduced him, and to learn the extent of distribution as well as of obtaining information regarding the favour with which it has been received in these centres, and of the opinions expressed by those handling it regarding it, I have devoted considerably more time than usual to my visits. At Manchester we found that the difficulties attending the distribution of both dairy-produce and meat are still as great as when I reported to you last concerning them. There does not seem to have been any advance made since last year. Here, as also in Liverpool, we found, as I have previously informed you, a keen desire for direct shipping facilities with New Zealand. The difficulties, however, to which I have on various occasions alluded when writing concerning this matter, still exist. My report made to you on the 27th January, 1899, and which was printed and circulated in the colony as a parliamentary paper on direct trade with Manchester, is still applicable to the present conditions. In Liverpool the expansion in the distribution of New Zealand dairy-produce has been most satisfactory. The demand, while we were there, especially for butter was extremely keen ; prices closely approaching those of Danish being paid for choicest brands. In lamb a good trade was being done, but I regret that both mutton and beef were almost completely neglected. In the Midlands—taking Leeds and Sheffield as distributing centres —we found considerable headway being made in the distribution of butter, and to a small extent of cheese also. In both these towns New Zealand lamb is gaining in repute, and a satisfactory and increasing sign of distribution amongst the better classes is the manner in which in high-class provision-shops it is being specialised, in a style similar to that adopted by Messrs. Cooper and Co., in Liverpool, regarding which I made a special report to you a couple of seasons ago.