78 



The Provision Trade in March, [april, 1910. 



comparison with the prices current for butter and bacon. Arrivals 

 from New Zealand continue large, and by the end of the month some 

 accumulation of stock had taken place, chiefly in coloured. On the 

 month Canadians have advanced is. -3s., and New Zealands 2s. -3s. 

 per cwt. 



Stocks of old cheese are nearly cleared in Canada. Recent advices 

 from the Ingersoll section report that there is not much snow in that 

 district, and that the weather has been mild and congenial for dairying. 

 A few fodder goods were being made for the home trade, and it is 

 thought present prices will tempt farmers to make more " fodders " in 

 that district, as in the butter districts less early cheese will probably 

 be made, the former paying better at the present difference in prices. 



In the United States of America prices are a little easier, say from 

 79s. to 825. per cwt. 



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

 at the three principal distributing centres (London, Liverpool, and 

 Bristol) were 164,000 boxes, against 137,000 last year, and 153,000 two 

 years ago. 



The demand for English cheese has been good throughout the 

 month, and prices have been a little firmer. Stocks of the earlier makes 

 are now in small compass. 



Butter. — Butter has experienced considerable fluctuation during the 

 month, prices showing a variation of fully 8s. to 105. per cwt. The 

 lowest point was at the commencement of the month, but the demand 

 for Easter trade helped sellers to command more money. After these 

 orders were filled, the market again sagged, but had somewhat 

 recovered by the end of the month. Sentiment is against present high 

 prices, which are from 20s. to 22s. per cwt. higher than last year, so that 

 buyers operate from hand to mouth. 



The arrivals from Australia and New Zealand continue large, but 

 it is anticipated that present figures will continue to the middle of April, 

 when arrivals from the Continent will be freer, also the early Irish 

 makes will be offered on the English markets. 



All descriptions of secondary butter are very scarce, and are fetching 

 prices relatively above their value. 



Imports from Argentina are more liberal, but still slightly under 

 those of last year, when a record was established for that period. 



Both the United States of America and Canada require all their 

 present stocks for home consumption. Prices in the former country 

 are slightly higher than during February, when fancy descriptions were 

 fetching about equal to 153s. per cwt., delivered in this country. 



Eggs. — There has been a largely increased production of English 

 and Irish, and the demand being chiefly for strictly fresh lots, the 

 Continental imports have been forced at lower prices to induce business. 

 There was a moderate Easter demand, prices favouring buyers. By 

 the end of the month "picklers" had commenced in earnest to secure 

 their supplies, which should relieve the pressure to sell. 



