The Minneapolis journal., 1902-06-12
PINE MORE ACTIVE
Lumber Shipments Show a Heavy
Increase.
COUNTRY is GOOD CONSUMER
Hardware Prices Continue to show
Hardening sTendency-Im-
pIements Are Active.

The local white pine lumber market is MAX
ing much more favorable showing during
June thus far than it has for several months
past. Shipments are increasing, and more
retailers are visiting the market, placing or
ders for immediate and future delivery. De-
mand from the country districts is now a
leading feature, farmers having completed
their spring work. Country roads have also
improved, and this has undoubtedly benefited
the general movement Of white pine to the
farmer trade.
Statistically the situation has shown the
best Improvement. The total shipments for
the week ending Tuesday night aggregated
S,9A,0OO feet as against 70o6,0OO feet for the
previous week, or an increase of !, ,SSS, 600 feet
Manufacturers are in much better
position to meet the demand. While some
dry new lumber was moving previous to the
first OF the month, the quantity available was
GOT sufficient to fill all orders. Now, however,
supply has improved to noticeable extent,
and manufacturers are in a position to take
care OF their trade in good shape. This is
shown ty the reduction in receipts Total
receipts for the week were 2,S16,000 feet, as
against 2976, ,0CO feet the previous week, a de-
crease OF 10000 feet:
Prices Firmly Maintained.
There is no pressure from large factors in
the situation to sell at present and a con-
sequence the market holds to a firm basis.
Local lumbermen have none too large stocks,
and at the present rate OF demand will find
themselves in worse position next winter,
as to ability to supply the trade, than they
were last winter. AS consequence they pre-
fer to accumulate stocks rather than make
any sacrifice in prices, but thus far the trade
has absorbed all the lumber they have to
ship, and it is serious question whether there
will be any accumulation this season. If
trade continues as heavy through July and
August as at present, it will undoubtedly de-
velop higher range Of values.
Producing conditions are very satisfactory
and local mills are saving on full time, with
plenty OF logs in sight to supply them till
midsummer at the earliest Rail receipts Of
logs the past week were the heaviest on rec
ord this year. aggregating 663 cars, estimated
to contain 3.97s.0O0 feet.
Hardware Prices Firm.
While supply of staple goods in some lines,
including wire nails, barb wire, etc, is i'm
proving, the price situation in hardware con-
tinues very firm, with a number OF advances
noted recently. Market on copper wire is
now an open one, due to the dissolution of the
association, with prices at factory somewhat
irregular. shortage in paris green is pre-
dicted, owing to excessive demand, and prices
are held very firm, and some chemists have
withdrawn quotations. Cordage is steady and
unchanged. Building paper continues in light
supply and is firmly held. Blind and gate
hinges have advanced ncmnally. Steel
so lares have advanced 10 per cent. Wire
cloth continues scarce and builders hardware
continues firm at the recent advance noted in
this column.
Implement Situation.
In farm implements the leading feature is
the shortage of road scrapers, referred to in
the news columns of T.h 10 ur n al Cul-l
tivators are in active demand and movement
continues heavy. Corn tools are moving free
ly, while the demand for hay tools is very
heavy, and brisk trade is expected from this
time forward, owing to the outlook for large
crop of hay. Binding twine is more active,
with prices firm Movement of separators
and threshing engines is commencing, and is
expected to be the most active experienced in
a MIN her of wears