I909-] 



The Provision Trade in October. 



781 



Very little business has passed with Canada during the month, 

 although lower prices were quoted with a view to force business before 

 the close of navigation of the St. Lawrence, and so save the increased 

 freight. Up to the middle of November the shipments from Montreal 

 for the season amounted to 1,789,711 boxes, which is about 93,000 in 

 excess of last year. The receipts into Montreal were about 39,000 in 

 excess for the same period, which points to smaller stocks being held at 

 that port for shipment during the winter months. A large number of 

 factories discontinued cheese-making early in the month. Favourable 

 advices are still being received as to the make of cheese in New Zealand, 

 although recent shipments have not shown so great an increase over 

 last year's figures as early this season. In the United States, best 

 selections of cheese are realising prices equal to 785.-805. c.i.f. 



The trade in English cheese has been good, but recent sales at some 

 country markets have been at lower figures for the inferior late makes ; 

 Cheshire markets show a rise of 55. on the month. 



Butter. — There is no special feature to report. The demand has been 

 steady throughout the month, with prices slightly advanced. At the end 

 of the month American refined lard was making 725. per cwt., which 

 makes butter proportionately very cheap. Arrivals from the Colonies 

 were large, buyers giving these fresh goods the preference. The make 

 is large bcth in Australia and New Zealand. It is reported from the 

 former country that there is not sufficient freight room to carry the 

 quantity tendered for shipment each week. Practically nothing is now 

 being shipped to England from Canada. The total season's shipments 

 were only 39,500 packages, against 93,000 last year. 



The Montreal Trade Bulletin for November 19th reports: — "The 

 consensus of opinion in the trade is that butter is all right, with prices 

 2\ cents to 3 cents per lb. under those of last year. The receipts now 

 only about cover local requirements, and will soon fall considerably 

 below them, necessitating a demand for the finest September and other 

 stored goods. A few shipments have already gone forward to the Lower 

 provinces : Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Vancouver, and the intermediate 

 points both East and West. There is not as much cream going across 

 the border as there was a few weeks ago, as prices on the other side 

 of the line have been cut down since the drop in the price of butter. 

 This, it is thought, may increase the supply of butter here; but even 

 if it should, it is expected there will be no surplus in the spring." 



In the United States of America, butter continues to demand 

 extravagant prices, equal to 1545. per cwt. being paid for best selections. 

 Renovated lots are realising around 1355. per cwt. 



As usual at this time of year, there is not much Irish offering, and 

 prices have advanced, the demand being chiefly for best goods, which 

 are scarce. 



Eggs. — English were extremely scarce and dear during the month. 

 A good trade was done in preserved, both Irish and foreign, at steadily 

 advancing prices. 



