958 



The Provision Trade in January, [feb., 1910 



and with large shipments on passage from New Zealand and Australia, 

 it was anticipated that there would be a steady "hand to mouth" 

 business, with little, if any, change in prices. At the end of the month, 

 encouraged by the smaller arrivals from the Continent, and the stored 

 stocks which were below the average, some large operators manipu- 

 lated the market. By storing large quantities for future use and 

 removing them from the market, they managed to lift spot prices 

 from 85. to 12s. per cwt., making top prices around 1245., as against 

 1125. last year. It is thought that these prices cannot be maintained, 

 as large weekly arrivals will reach us during February, and buyers act 

 very cautiously. The weather in the Colonies has continued favourable 

 for a large make. 



There have been no arrivals from Canada or the United States. In 

 the latter country, equal to 1665. c.i.f. is being made for fancy selec- 

 tions, which is slightly cheaper than last month. 



Cheese. — The demand was very slow at the commencement of the 

 month, but the arrivals from New Zealand, although large, cleared up 

 more quickly than was anticipated, and prices early began to harden. 

 By the end of the month Canadian had advanced 35. to 4s., and New 

 Zealand 2s. to 35. At the advanced prices both descriptions were 2s. 

 to 35. under top prices current during January of last year. 



This improvement on spot has led to some enquiries being cabled 

 for goods stored in Canada, resulting in orders being put through at 

 is. to 35. advance on the figures asked for the same lots, for shipment 

 during December. Shippers report that at this advance there is little, 

 if any, profit for those who speculated in the " fall makes," and held 

 them during the winter months, after allowing for storage charges, 

 interest on money, and shrinkage in weight. On account of the undue 

 competition between shippers and dealers to secure cheese from the 

 factorymen, it has been a year of high prices, resulting in another 

 very satisfactory year's trading for the farmer. Stocks in Canada are 

 said to be much below those held at Ihe same time last year. 



Prices for cheese in the United States of America remain excep- 

 tionally high, fancy descriptions realising equal to 835. c.i.f., and late 

 makes 76s. to 80s. per hundredweight. The total shipments from New 

 York, from May 1st, 1909, to January 19th, 1910, amount to only 

 21,617 boxes, as against 92,739 boxes for the same period last year. 

 At the end of the month the estimated stocks of Canadian cheese at 

 the three principal distributing centres (London, Liverpool, and Bristol) 

 were 245,000 boxes, against 261,000 last year, and 253,000 two years ago. 



English cheese has been in fair demand, and stocks have been 

 considerably reduced all round. Prices do not show much fluctuation. 



Eggs. — On account of the mild weather during January more new 

 laid eggs were available, and prices were easier. Holders of eggs in 

 cold storage tried to force business, with the result that there was a 

 general slump in prices of all descriptions. At end of month there was 

 some improvement, and prices were a little firmer. Last year at the same 

 time all descriptions of eggs were scarce. Canadian advices at end of 

 month report mild weather and increased supplies of new laid, which 

 were selling at 38 to 40 cents per doz. 



