1909.] The Provision Trade in August. 



5i7 



English pigs have been marketed a little more freely, and prices 

 have been slightly reduced. The outlook for the winter is for a con- 

 tinued shortage, and consequently prices above the average. 



Cheese. — In comparison with July, the demand was much improved, 

 and by the end of the month prices were generally firmer. With the 

 warmer weather it was anticipated that the consumption would be much 

 larger, but dealers are afraid to operate beyond their actual require- 

 ments at present prices, and consequently have not pushed the sale of 

 this article. 



The conditions in Canada have altered since last month. Weather 

 being favourable, the make has materially increased, receipts into 

 Montreal since the commencement of the season now showing an 

 increase of about 45,000 cheese over the same period last year, and the 

 shipments to the middle of August were about 52,000 more ; but even with 

 this increase the export has been less by 108,000 cheese than during the 

 same time in 1907. Shipping prices for best August makes have 

 averaged from 565. 6d. to 585. 6d., delivered in English ports. At the 

 end of the month the estimated stocks at the three principal distributing 

 centres (London, Liverpool, and Bristol) were 295,000, against 265,000 

 last year, and 304,000 two years ago. 



Shipments from the United States are practically nil, prices being 

 far above a competitive basis, the latest advices giving the quotations 

 for best cheese as equal to 725. per cwt. delivered here. The shipments 

 from New York since the opening of the season to the middle of the 

 month were 42,000 less than for the same time last year. 



Most markets are now nearly cleared of New Zealand makes, and 

 there is considerable speculation among merchants as to the price 

 that is likely to be asked for next season's deliveries, in face of the 

 anticipated large increase in the output. The arrivals into England 

 from this country during the first five months of this year total over 

 100,000 cheese. 



Butter. — There is no special feature to report in the month's trading. 

 The demand has been only moderate and fluctuations in prices small. 

 During a portion of the month the pastures in Ireland suffered somewhat 

 from want of rain, but by the end of the month the conditions had 

 altered and the make increased. 



Canada has sent us a little butter during the month, but the quantity 

 was considerably below that of last year, their home trade paying better 

 prices than we can afford. The receipts into Montreal up to the present 

 time have been about 25,000 packages less than for the same time last 

 year. 



Arrivals from Siberia have been plentiful, but on account of unsatis- 

 factory prices large quantities are being held in cold storage at the 

 Baltic ports, so that owners can take advantage of whichever market, 

 England or Germany, is first willing to pay improved prices. 



In the United States, the finest grades of Creamery Butter are 

 realising prices equivalent to 1355. to 138s. per cwt., delivered in England. 



Eggs- — As usual when fruit is plentiful, the demand has been less, 

 but prices on the whole were firmer at the end of the month. 



