COMMERCIAL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2476, 15 April 1909, Page 6

COMMERCIAL

WOOL SALES. IMPROVEMENT AYELL MAINTAINED. (From Our Special Correspondent.) LONDON, February 26. The past week’s business has again boon characterised by an excellent tone, the spirit displayed lias been good, transactions have been numerous, and prices are all the turn higher. Since writing last the market has firmed up considerably, and business all round is decidedly better. Towards the end of last week there were large transactions both ii.< wool, tops, and yarns, there evidently being clone some spcculation. Perhaps the most significant-

“'ature of the market is renewed activi itv in crossbreds, and the removal of all misgivings concerning the immediate future. The principal feature here is not so much a marked rise in prices as renewed confidence, with large purchasing of raw materials. More attention I has been given to both coarse and med- | ium crossbreds by export yarn houses, I and it is this feature which as the most ; satisfactory. For months shippers have ; been going from hand to month in expectation, and also not- without some effort to depress prices, but seeing all markets abroad were firming up has induced them to step to the front, and large purchases have been made. Good average 40’s tops cannot be called worth anything less than 12d per lb., and some arc wanting a farthing more, but the former figure will buy a good standard combing. Some good weights of carded crossbred tops have lately been selling on Continental account, and even dry combed merinos are being shipped in fair quantities. There is litthe evidence of slackness anywhere with either topmakdrs or combers, practically all the latter running their machinery both day and night. Merinos are hardening if anything,, and although a. big business lias been done at 23,jd for super 60’s and 24|d for 64’s, yet to-day’s price is 24d and 2od for the qualities already quoted. There is still the same keenness on the part of spinners to take deliveries, and fine wools wear a decidedly cheerful aspect. Spinners of both merinos and crossbreds are in a batten way, and there is more briskness with them. Afore particulars have recently been coining in which cause this department to assume more cheerfulness, and if spinners can keep going on full time, it will soon stimulate the entire industry. Much better reports are coming in from both France and Germany, and it looks as if tbe trade was now thoroughly on the mend. Aloh-air continues to be very s'nek and unprofitable; in fact, this department is the worst in the whole of tbe. textile trade.

THE PRICE OF FLOUR—RAISED IN AUCKLAND. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, April 14. The Auckland millers have raised the priqo of flour 10s per ton, which makes the wholesale rate £l2 10s per ton, less the usual discount. This rise is the outcome of the steady advance that lias taken place in the wheat markets of the world.