1909.] The Provision Trade in September. 607 



descriptions, and in consequence an improved consumptive demand is 

 reported. English pigs continue in small supply, although in some 

 districts there has been a slight increase in the quantities marketed. 



The present is a fine opportunity for farmers to go extensively into 

 the pig-breeding business, as the supplies of bacon from other countries, 

 especially the United States of America and Canada, will probably 

 continue to be small for some considerable time. 



Cheese. — The improved demand reported during August has not 

 continued, and stocks have accumulated at most distributing centres. 

 This state of affairs has been a surprise to traders, cheese being rela- 

 tively cheap in comparison with other foods. Doubtless the unseason- 

 able weather has helped to decrease the consumption. At the end of 

 the month the estimated stocks at the three principal distributing centres 

 (London, Liverpool, and Bristol) were 325,000 against 313,000 last year, 

 and 305,000 two years ago. 



The receipts into Montreal have fallen off somewhat during the 

 month, but from May 1st to Sept. 18th this year they show an increase 

 over the same period last year of 42,618 cheese. Shipments from 

 Montreal have also not been so heavy, bringing the present increase 

 over last season to 21,206 boxes, but 134,318 less than the quantity in 

 1907. Prices have been easier, and by the end of the month finest 

 September makes could be contracted at from 54s. 6d. to 565. 6d., 

 according to section, for shipment during October. The Ontario 

 Department of Agriculture, in its latest report, states that the number 

 of milch cows on July 1st in Ontario was 1,075,496, showing a reduction 

 of 37,878 as compared with the same time last year, and 76,575 two 

 years ago. However, weather conditions have been favourable and a 

 large make of cheese has resulted. 



The United States of America are still out of competition, and in 

 consequence shipments to this country have been practically nil. 



The New Zealand factorymen continue to ask about 585. for con- 

 tracts to cover their season's make, which merchants refuse to pay. 

 Spot lots of last season's goods are nearly cleared. 



Conditions being favourable, the make of English is still good, but 

 not excessive. Prices are on the easy side, and farmers find it difficult 

 to make sales to dealers at what they consider to be satisfactory prices. 



Butter. — There has been a much improved demand throughout the 

 month, and prices show advances of from 45. to 65. per cwt. The trade 

 has been mostly in fancy goods, the secondary qualities being neglected. 



Factorymen in New Zealand report very little contracting, as English 

 houses refuse to pay the prices (1065. to 1085. c.i.f.) which are being 

 demanded for the season's output. Last season's contracting resulted 

 in serious losses to buyers; hence this year's timidity. 



In Canada prices have advanced, and there is very little export busi- 

 ness passing. The receipts into Montreal have decreased, and at the 

 time of writing cable advices report that some factories have stopped 

 cheese-making, and have turned their attention solely to the production 

 of butter. 



Arrivals from Siberia are about the same as last year, and the quality 

 is fair. 



The home make has continued good. 



