182 



The Provision Trade in April. [May, 



show a further reduction, and so stimulate the consumption. The 

 average weight of the American hogs being killed is still heavy ; feed 

 being plentiful and cheap, breeders are fattening their stock for a 

 longer time before sending to the markets. The prices for hogs at 

 Chicago during April, 191 1, ranged from $5.75 to $6.85, against $8.85 

 to $10.70 last year, and $6.65 to $7.50 two years ago. 



English pigs were again offered in small quantities, and on some 

 markets they show up slightly dearer on the month. Lower prices, 

 however, are anticipated in May. 



Cheese. — The improvement in prices reported last month continued 

 during April, although at the end of the month, as a result of some 

 manipulation, there were a few cheaper sellers of New Zealand cheese, 

 -as it is felt by some that any advance on last season's goods is un- 

 desirable at the opening of the Canadian season for new makes. 



The consumption during the month was a little better, and with 

 stocks small in England, still higher prices are looked for in May on 

 all descriptions of last season's goods. Very few Canadian fodder- 

 makes have been sold so far for shipment to this country, as the season 

 is backward and the home demand sufficient to clear nearly all the 

 available lots at equivalent to 565.-575. c.i.f. 



The latest advices from Canada point to a large make during this 

 year, as the cattle have wintered well, feed being plentiful all along. 

 It is also reported that the Lmited States buyers have not contracted for 

 cream to be shipped over the border as last season, which, of course, 

 means that more butter and cheese will be manufactured in Canada, and 

 available for export. A few more lots of States cheese were imported 

 during the month, but it is understood that ail surplus stocks are now 

 nearly cleared. It is some years since any quantity of full cream States 

 cheese has been exported to England, but a fair number of shipments 

 have been made to all ports during the last two months. New Zealand 

 makes are going more freely into consumption. Over 3,000 crates 

 (6,000 cheese) will arrive during May. 



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

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

 were 89,000 against 114,000 at the same time last year, and 95,000 two 

 years ago. The stock of New Zealand cheese was 31,500 crates in 

 London and Bristol, against 51,000 crates last year. 



Butter. — Business was mostly of a retail character, and prices show 

 little change on the month. The arrivals from Australia were large, 

 but on account of the delay to a steamer the deliveries of New Zealand 

 were smaller. The demand continues chiefly for best creameries, prices 

 being such that all consumers can afford to have the best quality. In 

 consequence, stocks of secondary grades are still increasing, and prices 

 favour buyers. During May the arrivals from the Colonies will be 

 large, and prices are expected to go lower. 



The home demand in America improved during the month, resulting 

 in the low cable offers being withdrawn, although the stocks in cold 

 store at the four principal markets (Chicago, New York, Boston, and 

 Philadelphia) early in April were 284,764 lb. more than at the same 

 time last year. Arrivals from Siberia are now reaching this country 

 regularly, and the quality is very fine. Prices range from 965. to 1005. 

 per cwt. In Ireland the conditions are favourable for a large make. 



