The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1896-12-11
TN HUB MARKETS.
Butter Still Continues Quiet and
Decidedly Firm.

Foreign Outlet Not So Large as 1t Should
Be-Buyers Take Kindly to Cold Stor-
ore stock-Cheese Is Unchanged---A
Glance at Other Products,
Boston, Dec. 9.-Quiet and firm is the
condition of the butter market. Buyers
are resisting the pressure which comes
from outside rising markets as much
as possible, and the result is an un-
satisfactory trade. Receivers are forced
to ask more for their fresh receipts in
order to please shippers and get any sup
plies, but 1t Is impossible to keep in lins
with the advance in the west.
After taking few fancy lots of fresh
buyers fall back upon the cold storage
stock, which is still giving good salts
faction, and which, at difference OF
to cents a pound is much more
profitable article to handle. We may
have to come up to full values in a short
time, but as trade is a present it will
he hard to sustain any further rise
There is ali entire absence of snap and
buoyancy, and when buyers make up
their minds to pay an extreme price
they take only a few lots. This KIND
of business may continue during the
remainder of this month, as buyers have
no confidence in high prices, and expect
a reaction just as soon as the make in
creases.
The most encouraging feature In the
situation is the large quantities. of but
ter coming out of cold storage. Last
week the stock was reduced more than
I of
stock of desirable quality would soon be
materially decreased
Although the held stock figures are
much larger than last year, it is well
to remember that the packages are
smaller and that there is considerable
old butter in the gross amount which
will not come into competition with new
supplies The consumption, too, has
materially increased, and if prices are
kept on a reasonable basis there is
chance to unload at some profit.
The foreign outlet it not as large as
| it ought to be- but the shipments are
running larger than last year, and there
! is a prospect that a good deal more
American butter will be wanted during
the winter. The price, of course, will
depend largely upon how low holders
are willing to sell.
The receipts of butter last week were
1883 tubs and 1873 boxes, total
weight of 530,977 pounds, against $685.
pounds the previous week, and 5O6999
pound corresponding week Last year.
| Although the receipts are running small
they are larger than last year. and
after a week Or two they will probably
increase, especially if the weather con-
tinues mild.
There are no new features in the
cheese situation. Holders are firm on
fine September and early September
make, and are not offering much under
II cents. Sales range from 1013 to IL
cents, with a moderate demand. Fair
to good lots range from to 10 cents.
The outlook is considered promising
The factories are nearly all closed, and
the best of the make is in strong hands.
The stock in Canada and here is smaller
than last year. and there is conf1-
dent feeling that higher prices will be
obtained very soon after the turn of the
year, if not before.
Eggs were rather slow yesterday, and
the drop in New York had weakening
effect here. 1t was hard to sell west
ern at over % to % cents, and best
Michigan at "a cents. Fresh eastern
ruled at 25 to &c cents, and fancy new
laid at about 30 cents. refrigerator eggs
sold at 16 to 171a cents. The stock in
cold storage was 4241 cases last week
and stood at 1892 cases, against 23,73S
cases last year.
Marrow pea and choice medium beans
have settled down to 81 per bushel fol
large lots. At this price dealers have
been stocking up, and the market may
soon take a stronger turn. Yellow eyes
and red kidneys have been slow of sale
at about previous prices.
The market has been kept well sup
piled with western poultry, and price:
rule slow Strictly choice Vermont
turkeys are in light supply, and com
mand Is to 16 cents
Apples continue in large supply, ant
prices are no higher. The large ex
; ports take off good portion of the
surplus.