The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1897-10-15

Grocers Using Cold Storage Stocks and
Acting Independently of the Receivers
of Fresh suppIes-POtatoes In Large
Supply and Hard to Sell.
Boston, Oct. 13-There has been dull
and unsatisfactory butter market for
a week past. The few buyers that were
around took small lots at about last
weeks prices, but aside from these very
little business was done. Cold storage
stock was in fair demand, but even this
kind was not selling as freely as week
ago The hot weather seemed to have
taken all the life out of the market, and
both buyers and sellers were Indifferent,
the latter because they knew it would
be useless to try to enforce sales at any
reasonable price. The supply of strictly
fine fresh made creamery is small
enough to make holders feel that 1t will
be wanted later and some Of it has been
put away for future use; but this is
rather risky business while there is so
much coed June stock waiting for pur-
chasers. A better demand, however,
must soon spring up.
The receipts for the week were 49,
974 tubs and 20,341 boxes total of $751;
705 pounds, against 9iJ,725 pounds the
previous week and 87O946 pounds for
the corresponding week last year This
shows a falling off as compared with the
previous week, but an increase as COM
pared with last year. The cold storage
statement for the week is as follows:
Put in 1888 tubs, taken out 1924 tubs,
stock 1924 tubs, against 1858 tubs
same time last year. For the CORE
spending week last year 1921 tubs were
put in and 0,733 tubs taken out.
. In the absence of sales, only nominal
prices can be given for wholesale lots
Of fresh butter. The best makes of
Vermont, New Hampshire and New
York creamery in tubs were held at
p cents, and sales in a small way were
made at that price, but it was evident
that concessions of half cent would
have to be made in order to place round
lots. Boxes were plentiful and slow of
sale at 221a to % cents. In fact buyers
were not willing to pay over p cents.
The market may, therefore, be quoted
at Pig to p cents for best Northern in
tubs, and at % to % cents in boxes. For
the bulk Of the Western fresh creamery
on the market q cents was a full SELL
ing price. Occasional fancy lots in as
sorted size spruce tubs brought 211a to
% cents, but only in a small way.
Buyers seemed to be Indifferent to the
cost price in the West, and receivers who
refused to concede to the views of the
buyers are forced to hold their goods.
June stock is taken in preference, and,
while this butter can be obtained at
Is to 20 cents, the fresh made goods at
cents more will have to wait. This
state of affairs may not continue very
long, as the Northern fresh make will
be Curtailed as soon as the cold weather
sets in, and the West Virginia cream
cries will have more control of the mar
ket, but the future is doubtful.
There has been a moderate jobbing
trade the past few days, but 1t has not
been general. Some dealers report a
good movement, while others complain
of very small orders. The range of
prices is from 20 to 25 cents, including
tubs and boxes, but they find it very
hard to get fair margin of profit on fine
fresh goods, and have to work in as
much held stock as they can. Grocers
are also using up their stocks of cold
storage butter, and for this reason they
are somewhat Independent OF the re-
ceivers of fresh stock. All these matters
taken together explain why the Boston
market on fresh creamery is the lowest
in the country at present.
There continues to be a dull sale for
cheese and prices are without change.
Sales eff choice run along at 9 TO 10 cents
in lots as wanted, and 1t is hard to get
bid for large lots at 912 cents. Receivers
are pretty firm on the finest Septem-
bers, and hold them for better market.
The egg market has ruled fairly
steady for several days past, but prices
take wide range, as the quality of the
receipts varies considerably. The bulk
of the western range from 10 to II cents,
but choice selected Michigan command
Is cents. Eastern fresh sold at is to 20
cents, with a much higher range for
fancy new laid. Refrigerator stock IA
to Is cents. The stock in cold storage on
Saturday was 6S, 256 cases, against SLOTS
cases same time last year.
Beans have been SLOW with an easier
tendency in prices Choice marrow peas
are down to $1.10, and mediums to $1.15
per bushel. Yellow eyes and red kid
neys also eased off. Potatoes are in
large supply and hard to sell at the
depots at over 20 cents per bushel
Apples are plentiful and meeting with
a good sale at fairly steady prices.
The peach season is about over. Pears,
plums, grapes and cranberries continue
IN good supply.