The Minneapolis journal., 1903-12-26
HOLIDAY WEEK
/ DEVELOPS DECLINES
EGGS ALONE HAVE HELD TO A
STRONG BASIS.
The Poultry Situation Somewhat Dis
tracing Thanksgiving Experi-
ence Almost Duplicated Thou
sands Of Pounds of Turkeys and
Chickens Carried Over.

The Christmas trade on poultry was
absolutely unsatisfactory to the receiver,
taken as a whole, the aggregate movement
being under the average, while there has
been constant struggle against condi-
tions over which they had no control. This
early arrivals were very light, and the
movement into what are considered nom
producing districts was nominal, owing
to the fact that stock could not be Sc
cured. After the movement to market had
set in, stock received UP to Monday night
brought very fair prices, but after that
the situation was absolutely at the con-
troll of buyers. Butchers shopped about
from house to house, using every endeayor
to pound down values to a point that
would absolutely put them a safe basis
In loading up. Consumers too, put in an
oar, and generally when placing an order
for Christmas bird put limit on the
price, and showed a decided inclination
to take something else if they could not
secure them at a reasonable figure Others
having absorbed an idea at Thanksgiving
time that were but few in the coun-
try made other arrangements. This judg-
nent is formed from the fact that the
trade agrees that many thousands Of
pounds less of turkey meat sold this year
than the average. The big amount carried
over will probably bring low prices, II
to 121a cents being the top figure Of
fered this morning by packers for finest
SSlSCIiOlS. oIOCh Ill SLDTdSe was not
diminished, and there is no encoura cement
from a speculative point in putting any
more into coolers for future requirements.
Chickens also slumped seriously, but the
call will improve from now on, and they
stand a better show for advance in
price than turkeys Ducks and geese did
not ease off seriously, as the demand was
better for them than is usually the case
at Christmas
The call for dressed meats has ruled dull
all the week, and with generous offerings
of veal in sight the trade has had diff
hculty in keeping stocks down to anything
like satisfactory limits. While fancy
carcass will bring 51a cents occasionally,
the bulk of the trade would be pleased to
move strings at a nickel, while the lower
grades hang without bringing out bids
Butter settled in price rapidly the first
Of the week, but has now reached a better
basis. Eastern markets developed the
usual first of the year slump in values, and
the local situation declined sympathetic
ally. Local stocks are not heavy, and in
ldica tions are more favorable for an i'm
provement. About the only feature that
could have any influence in pounding down
values further would be the withdrawing
and forcing on the market the stock now
in coolers. Holders so far have not shown
any disposition to shade values in order
to sell. and it is not likely they would re-
sort to any extreme measures at this sea
son in order to clean up. Packing stock
lacks life in the demand, as renovators
and ladders find dull outlet for their
makes under prevailing market condi-
tions.
The call for fresh eggs is not of great
proportions, but was heavy enough to
force up values one cent per dozen the
middle of the week. Cooler stock is NOV
ing out freely. and supplies put away DUR
ing the packing season are going to clean;
q mo- arHfi TO into
Owing to the light production of fresh.
country dealers are making loss by hold
ing too long before forwarding to market.
1t would be better to ship a case at a
time.
Cheese is dull on some lines, especially
! the medium and poor grades. Values are
inclined toward weakness on twins and
| flats.
| The fruit market is without price change
of Importance. Movement was active the
| first few days of the week, but is slow this
morning. eVeh city buyers being held back
| by p cold wave that hangs over the city,