The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1908-06-05
MARKET
ENCOURAGING
BETTER FEELING PREVAILS BUT
PRICES REMAIN SAME.
BIG SALES IN OREGON
Fully ! Million Pounds Disposed Of At
Pendleton-Larger Shipments Com
firm Report That Business 10 BET
ter with Worsted Mills.

Sentimentally there is a better mar
ket, but practical results are not
much in evidence, the volume OF bust
ness having FAILED to expand mater
tally and prices remaining on as low
a level a formerly, says the Boston
Commercial Bulletin. The tone OF the
market is firmer, in sympathy with
London, but prices are no higher,
sales Of choice quarter blood at
slightly better prices than last week
being exceptional, no advance being
indicated in other directions. A fair
amount OF clothing territory stock
sold on the secured basis OF 4Oc,
about as low a basis as has been
known in recent years. The most
sanguine view of the situation is that
the market has struck bottom and
that any further serious decline is out
OF the question for the present. But
1t is still dificult to induce buyers to
take hold, Notwithstanding the COM
parative' cheapness at which supplies
can be bought. Therefore dealers are
not wholly confident about the fu-
ture Of prices, which will be further
complicated by heavy receipts and
accommodating supplies. At present
there is a disposition to talk more
encouragingly, but there is lacking
the active demand that is needed to
make the situation buoyant and free
from doubt. ~
More Machinery Running.
Larger shipments are confirmation
Of reports from the worsted mills that
business is better and more machin.
cry employed. Rush orders in a few
instances have forced night work in
the mills, but there is no improve.
ment in the condition of the market
for wool goods, and the percentage OF
idle machinery in this branch is as
large as at any time this year. On
the whole, however, the wool consum.
ing industry is In better shape, with
current demand for goods better and
trade prospects brighter.
Besides the heavier outward move.
ment, the shipments being larger
this week than in any week this year
more buyers have been on the mar
ket than for some weeks and a larger
number o. small. lots. have changed
hands. It is remarked that in some
instances buyers have requested
prompt shipment of supplies bought
q feature which indicates small stocks
in the bins of manufacturers.
Such demand as there is, however
is easily filled, and buyers do not have
to hunt sellers. Woods are cheap
but there is no evidence Of specula
ton on that account, consumers buy
ing cautiously and not more thansthey
need, while dealers are operating with
unusual conservatism in the west.
Oregon Growers Sell.
The Pendleton (Ore.) sale was :
success. Fully a million pounds solt
at 70 to lac mostly, one choice cli1
bringing 13Ac. The wool was divid
ed among prominent Boston dealer.
and one worsted mill. There are va
rious estimates as to the secured
cost, the range being from 46 to SIC
But from ~ to so cents is considered
a fair estimate with the chances O
SOC being nearer the landed cost ii
Boston than the lower estimate. Al
the previous Arlington sale all bid.
were rejected, growers not being sat
listed with 8kc. A sale of 2,5OO,O 0t
pounds was to have been held a
Heppner Friday, but particulars hav,
not been received.
In Wyoming, Utah, Texas and Cali
fornia the movement is still mostly o,
consignment at the advances pre-
viously established. Idaho growers
have decided to hold sealed bid sale,
in June and only a few clips have s,
far been shipped.
Twenty cents for wool on the car
is the highest price heard Of in Ohio
but it is certain that Boston dealer
have not paid so much II the pric'
has been actually paid by anyone
Boston bids of 18c have not secure'
much wool, farmers holding back be
fore deciding to accept that figure. Il
Michigan, it is said, nothing is sellin,
at less than zoe, and little is bein,
sold at that o any other price.
Texas Wool.
Market dull and samples of ne,
clip attract little attention as vel
Twelve months is offered at 10 to 20
and eight months at116 to 1Sc, but a
no sales are reported the market i
nominal.
Territory Wool.
No large purchases are reporte
this week. Demand has been mostl
for small lots OF $4,000 to 5000
pounds each. A few transactions Q
fair size have occurred including tw,
of 1000 pounds each. Included II
the transfers are a total of 10000
pounds staple at 1917 to 20hc an
100, 900 pounds fine Montana at 17t