953 



The Provision Trade in January, [feb., 191 i 



2s. to 45. cheaper than at the beginning of the year. ' The arrivals 

 from Russia were smaller, and in consequence this description of 

 bacon showed proportionately a smaller reduction in price. 



The arrivals from America were more than sufficient for all require- 

 ments, and prices were generally reduced to stimulate consumption, 

 but buyers were shy of operating, and the outlook is for still lower 

 prices on spot, although the cost of production is several shillings more. 

 American hogs continue to be marketed in very small quantities, and 

 in consequence packers cannot force prices down to the level anticipated. 

 Prices ranged from $7.60 to $8.25, against $8.00 to $8.90 at the same 

 time last year, and $5.25 to $6.75 two years back. 



Canada continues her small shipments, as, with the continued 

 high prices for hogs, the business is not remunerative to the Canadian 

 packers. Pigs are being marketed more freely in our own country, 

 and prices are slightly easier. 



Cheese. — The month opened with a quiet demand, but later there 

 was a much better trade, and prices hardened to the extent of is.-2s. 

 per cwt., with holders doing their best to lift values still further. 

 However, buyers have held off, anticipating the arrivals of New 

 Zealands, and spot stocks of Canadian being larger than for four years 

 past, it is not likely that any serious advance in prices will take place. 

 The shipments from New Zealand from the opening of the season to 

 the middle of January were about 10 per cent, less than for the same 

 period last year, but it is anticipated that this shrinkage will be made 

 up as the season progresses. Prices are a little higher than at the 

 same time last year. Canadian cables ask 595.-605. c.i.f. for best 

 stored lots. In the United States of America best stored lots are being 

 held for equal to 745. c.i.f. 



English cheese moved fairly into consumption, with prices about 

 25. per cwt. above those current at the same time last year. 



The stocks of Canadian cheese at the three principal distributing 

 centres (London, Liverpool, and Bristol) at the end\)f the month were 

 266,000 boxes, against 245,000 at the same time last year, and 261,000 

 two years ago. 



Butter. — Prices during the month have shown considerable varia- 

 tion as a result of manipulation on the part of the large London 

 operators. Nearly the whole of the Australian and New Zealand 

 outputs is this year being consigned, and with the large shipments 

 arriving and on passage there is no reason why prices should be 

 advanced ; the smaller dealers are therefore acting cautiously. At the 

 end of the month prices were around 125. -145. per cwt. below those 

 prevailing at the same time last year, say 985. -1065. The increase in 

 imports from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada into the United 

 Kingdom from June, 1910, to the end of January, 191 1, is 4,500 tons 

 over the quantity for the same period of 1909 and 19 10. 



In the United States best Creameries made prices equal to 

 1245. -1305. c.i.f., but there are large quantities of the summer make 

 in American cold stores, some of which it will be necessary to export 

 to this country. 



Eggs. — There has been a very good demand throughout the month 

 for pickled sorts, on account of the scarcity of new laid, which was 

 more pronounced towards the end of the month. 



