The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1908-05-22
INACTIVITY IN
WOOL MARKET
BOSTON BUYERS SHOW LITTLE
INTEREST in OFFERINGS.
sTlMuLANT IS NEEDED
Maintenance Of Values In London At
Auction Sales Increases Confidence
Among the Boston Merchants-Few
Sales Of Territory.

The market continues very dull in
the way Of new business, there hav-
ing been very few buyers around and
no particular interest in offerings,
says the Boston Commercial Bulletin.
Some dealers have experienced a bet
ter inquiry for sample bags. The ma
jority, however, say that manufactu-
rers manifest no disposition to in
crease their stocks Of raw material,
the goods market giving them no en-
couragement of a future Of more act
i've operations of their plants. The
few duplicate orders for mems wear
fabrics coming in call for small guam
titles. AS a rule, mills are lot heav-
lily stocked with wool, but until there
is a decided change for the better In
their business they nave have no am
UlklOu 10 luCIOdSC L4Oll AO4OAA66s guy
plies in sight are large. Dealers
stocks are quite large for the time
Of year not only in Boston, but in
other seaboard markets; the new clip
is accommodating in the west and adj
vices from Australia indicate that the
season favors another large clip. Man
u%facturers, therefore, are not worry
ing about future supplies, should the
industry take a turn for the better
and their necessities become more
pressing.
More Confidence.
Because values in London at the
auction sales did not decline as much
as had been expected on the opening
day, and that on the second day there
was a hardening tendency, there is
a little increase Of confidence among
local merchants. 1t is stated that re-
fusals to tie up certain parcels, sub
ject to the approval OF the buyer,
have been made. AS q rule, however,
sellers are more numerous than buy
ers, and all decent bids : entertain
ed. Some very low prices have been
accepted during the present week.
Further transfers Of %onequarter blood
fleece have been at 21c, and very lit
tie territory wool has changed hands
on a higher basis than Soc. 1t is still
a buyers market. "A greater stimu-
liant is needed than has yet been re-
ceived to finally check the downward
course OF values. Still with the mar
ket almost on a free wool basis, the
resting point cannot be far out Of the
way.
The London Auctions.
Last Tuesday the third series OF the
years public auction saleg Of colonial
wool opened in London. OF the many
private cables received by Boston
dealers, the majority quote a decllne
Of S to 10 per cent in merinos and Of
10 to IL per, cent in crossbreds. This
just about offsets the improvement
which occurred during the closing
days OF the previous March sale.
Since the opening there has been a
farmer tone, and some advices report
a slight advance in c%rossbreds.
But the best development is that
competition has been animated and
bidding spirited. The fact that the
continent has been buying freely is
considered a good feature.
There are a lot of buyers N attend
ance. and a strong tone may develop
should competition continue active.
No merino wool fit for this country
was available on the opening day,
and SO the position in this respect has
not been defined. But such woods are
scarce and will quite likely command
quick sale at good prices, especially
II buyers from this side enter the
lists.
Texas Wool.
The trading Of the week is made up
Of small lots Of fall secured at 421k
to 43c. There is only a limited mar
ket for such woods. Nothing doing in
new spring woods and the market. is
nominal.
Territory Wool.
The market is hat. Prices favor
the buyer and are steadily working
lower, though with a continuance OF
armness abroad the local market may
recover steadiness. A. selling basis is
much desired. At present the price
is q private agreement between buyer
and seller as a rule. There is quot
able market and the prices of this
week may not be good next. OF the
transactions made public the bulk
are below the basis of Soc clean.
About 10000 lbs. half blood sold at
lie and the secured basis is under.
stood to be 46 to Ate. This was for
Montana wool. Sales of Utah blood
include 10000 lbs, halt blood combine