I9H-] 



The Provision Trade in May. 



269 



English pigs were marketed more freely, and prices are now easier 

 all round, although porkers were scarce. 



Cheese. — The expectation that prices for old cheese during May 

 would be considerably higher was not realised ; in fact, the reverse 

 happened, all descriptions of imported cheese being cheaper on the 

 month. Country buyers were very stubborn, and refused to operate except 

 from hand to mouth ; in order to force business, therefore, some holders 

 steadily reduced their prices on both Canadian and New Zealand makes. 

 The paucity of the demand for both of these descriptions is attributed 

 by some to the fact that retailers did not reduce their prices in line with 

 wholesale values, while others say it is on account of the quantity of 

 really fine ripe States cheese on offer, and which have gone into con- 

 sumption at the lower prices at which they were quoted. 



The demand for fodder cheese this season has been smaller than 

 for some years past, and really best Canadians of this description were 

 selling towards the end of the month at about 515. to 52s. c.i.f. The 

 May make in Canada was less than last year on account of the back- 

 ward season, but a very large make is expected during the month of 

 June, on account of the good condition of the cows and the excellent 

 .prospects of the pastures. 



A fair quantity of the May make of Northern States cheese was 

 offered by cable at prices in line with Canadians. Until recently these 

 goods have been required for home consumption at prices considerably 

 above those current in Canada. 



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

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

 were 65,000, against 99,000 at the same time last year, and 63,000 two 

 years ago. The stock of New Zealand cheese was 26,000 crates in 

 London and Bristol, against 32,000 last year. 



Stocks of last season's English cheese are now in very small compass, 

 smaller than for two seasons back. It is difficult to obtain reliable in- 

 formation, but probably the May make has been under the average, 

 there having been a large demand for milk. 



Butter. — The demand for butter was again disappointing, and it is 

 reported that large quantitiese of Australian were put into cold store 

 during the month. The arrivals from New Zealand were small, and 

 for the most part found ready buyers on arrival. On the month prices 

 show a drop of from 2s. to 55. Most of the business was again in 

 best selections. 



The arrivals from Australia will continue large for the whole of 

 next month, and probably throughout the summer. Siberian arrived in 

 increased quantities, and the quality was very satisfactory. A large 

 make pf Irish butter is in progress, and tinning operations were in full 

 swing at the end of the month. 



Eggs.— The demand for fresh-laid eggs was good, and a fair quan- 

 tity was stored for future use. Arrivals from Russia for the month were 

 large, and prices favoured buyers, the warmer weather decreasing the 

 consumption of this class of goods. 



