692 The Provision Trade in October. [nov., 



THE PROVISION TRADE IN OCTOBER. 

 Hedley Stevens. 



Bacon. — The conditions for trading have again been most trying 

 to dealers generally, and the wet weather during the month has 

 probably had a depressing effect on business. 



The London market has kept very clear of Danish, Dutch, and 

 Canadian sides during the whole of the month, as, in addition to the 

 small arrivals, a good deal of the Danish supply was diverted to the 

 northern ports, to fill orders usually taking Canadian or American. 

 By the end of the month prices for Danish were lower, the London 

 market being very unsettled, though this did not so much apply to 

 other ports. On the other hand, American bacon and hams were held 

 for more money at all points, and the demand for this description even 

 at the enhanced figures was quite sufficient to prevent any accumulation 

 of stock. 



Cable advices from the United States report slightly freer arrivals 

 of hogs at the packing centres, but they are young and immature, 

 growers apparently being tempted to market them early, and so make 

 sure of the present extreme prices obtainable for the raw material. 

 Packers do not anticipate any set-back in prices before the beginning 

 of 19 10, as they will not accept orders for November and December 

 shipments at less than current prices, and in some cases (notably for 

 bellies) sales have been made at several shillings premium. 



During January to September inclusive this year, the decrease in 

 arrivals from the United States of America amounts to 26,423 tons, 

 compared with the same period last year. 



Canada is still sending very small consignments of bacon, and the 

 packers' agents find no difficulty in clearing all arrivals at satisfactory 

 prices in comparison with English, Irish, and Danish sides, but it is 

 understood that these prices are still unremunerative. to the Canadian 

 packers, and the few continuing to run their houses are only able to do 

 so on account of the satisfactory prices secured on that portion of the 

 hog which they are able to sell for home consumption. 



The trade in English and Irish bacon is fair, and prices show little 

 variation on the month. Pigs continue to be marketed in very small 

 quantities. 



Cheese.- — The month of October, 1909, is likely to prove a record 

 one for the small demand for Canadian cheese. At all points the daily 

 cry has been "no orders." Spot holders gradually reduced their prices, 

 hoping to bring out buyers, but without result. In some districts 

 grocers had contracted during the summer months a portion of their 

 requirements for October delivery, and apparently this was quite 

 sufficient to fill their demand. 



In consequence of the dull trade, merchants bought very sparingly 

 from Canada for shipment. To induce business, prices were gradually 

 reduced to at one time as low as 53s. c.i.f. for October makes. Since 

 then prices have hardened a little, and by the end of the month 

 54s. 6d. c.i.f. is being asked for the same description, and 565. 6d. 

 for Western makes. Canadian cables report that there will be a 

 decrease in the October-November makes, as so many factories have 



