The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1904-10-21
STOCKS MUCH DEPLETED
Montana Leads the Call For Territory
at Prices Showing Marked
Advance.

OUT llCIl6 SuUTL Ol LudL VI previous
weeks, and would be of heavy volume
but for the Indifference of some deal
ers about selling what they have on
hand, and the inability of others to
provide what is needed. With many
houses stocks are much depleted and
selections d%eplorably small, says the
Boston Commercial Bulletin.
The speculative tendency is kept
within bounds, but there has been
something of the kind in both greasy
and secured woods. The fact that all
holders are confident gives the specu-
lator little chance, as full market val
ues would have to be paid for even
average wool. There are no bargains
to be had anywhere, as for some time
past there is little wool available that
could be bought at a price ensuring
a profit on a quick turn. Lack of the
necessary stock rather than absence
of the speculative spirit is the cause
4of the moderate speculation. Still
there are some holdings, both of ter
ritory and of fleece, that are tucked
away and not being shown, waiting
to see the light when values are
higher than they now are.
A Free Demand.
Stocks. however, in many cases are
quite low and selections, especially
of medium grades, are becoming
poorer every week. There is a free
demand from consumers, Philadelphia
having bought a good deal, while New
England mills are also well represent
ed on the market.
Since our last review a few big
lines of territory wool have been
cleaned up. The demand for medium
fleece is very active and prices are
soaring upward. 1t is estimated that
there is not over 1000, 900 pounds OF
good one-quarter fleece left in Bos-
ton. Practically all of it has been
pegged at SOC or better. Fine terri
tory sells on a secured basis of Coo.
All secured woods are moving up
ward and are fully participating in the
advancing tendency of the market.
The Mills.
Manufacturers are talking much bet
ter than a year ago. There has been
steady improvement in the goods sit
uation and outlook during the fall and
summer The lightweight season is
generally successful, and there is a
very hopeful feeling regarding the
next heavyweight season. An early
opening is promised and higher prices
seem imperative in view of the strong
raw material position. There is an
improved tone to the yarn market,
and orders in some instances are be-
ing turned down owing to lack OF
margin of profit. Spinners, however,
are becoming independent and will
seek a profit on future business.
Foreign Markets.
The most important news from for
eign markets is that received from
Sydney. Messrs. Richard Rhodius &
Co., Antwerp, cable as follows: "Syd-
ney sales opened with brisk competi-
ton and large attendance of buyers.
MerinOs very firm. Crossbreds ad-
vancing." The Melbourne market
opens next Tuesday, the 18th. Lon
don is very strong, as is also Brad
ford, the latter especially so on cross
BREEDS. At private sale in London 81
to So per cent woods brought equal to
39hc landed, which is practically Sic
to SIC clean, for defective Sydney
woods.
Interest in the new Argentine clip
is keen on the part of Boston WOO.
people, and there are the usual num-
Der of rumors around as to possible
cost. One of these puts it at 35c, duty
paid, and another is that a big Phila-
delphia mill was offered a line at
22hc, cost and freight, or sic secured.
which would meal 33kc duty paid
The lowest fictitious quotations was
201hc.
The fact is that little is known as
to the prices at which the Argentine
crossbreds can probably be bought
this season, for the reason that the
market has not yet been established
as can be seen from the following
cable received in this city a few day.
ago by MI. Daniel s. Pratt: "Seaso1
Is not sufficiently advanced and i'm
possible to give any quotations. Wait
ing for supplies. Quality of new clil
IL about the same as last year, slight,
bury"