Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-01-06
BRADsTREET's WEEKLY
VERMONT TRADE REPORT

Reports to Bradstreet's for the week in
summarizing events Of the past year show
a better condition than Is reported by
figures representing failures. Number OF
failures as we'll rs aggregate CAPITAL
involved was greater during 1909 than for
either Of two years preceding. Some of
them we're due to natural causes such
as inexperience and competition while
others trace their origin to depression
period There has been during the year a
steady gain In volume of business among
manufacturing interests. one or two lines
excepted. which nearly approaches normal
levels The outlook for the coming year
promises much for the general retail trade
Holiday trade was brisk; weather con-
ditions favored this. Labor is we'll EN-
ployed which indicates a good trade for
coming quarter. Fire reports for year
show damage to mercantile interests two
per cent. greater than during 1903; losses
in the state aggregating nearly three
quarters of million dollars. The total
number of domestic corporations was Less
although amount of capital involved Ia
twice that for preceding year. Special
investigation and reports from leading
lines OF industry follows: Monumental
work shows q small gain in both granite
and marble. Granite manufacturers have
done much to modernize their plants and
have spent large sums of money in that
direction Granite and marble has also
been in liberal demand for building work
The tie-up in labor among granite workers
makes predictions for immediate future
difficult although there is promise Of a
reasonably good year. In slate belt year
has been exceptionally good one among
roofing slate men but market for manu-
featured stock has been below normal;
prices were cut good deal but during
past two months there has been more
demand and prices have become firmer.
Machine industry Is one that has shown
heaviest gains The year opened with
very small demand and an accumulat ton
Of stocks: year closes with stocks we'll
reduced. plants employed full time and
over time necessary to keep up with de-
mand Scale manufacturers are no ex-
ception. their sales showing q liberal in
crease Lumber market has been quiet
generally demands being largely for
immediate wants but prices have been
maintained. Work for seasons cut has
commenced and It is expected usual
amount will be brought to mills. The
cutting Of small timber for pulp wood is
a.
labor. Furniture business has been quiet
during the year but years close finds
more activity in that line. Export trade
in chairs compares we'll with previous
year. Manufacturers in this line antici-
pate a large increase during coming
year and some OF them have enlarged
their plants for that purpose. Paper mill
men report conditions improved and i'm.
proving. Low water interfered with that
line OF manufacture during the year but
plants are now operating full force and
time. Wooden mills which early part of
year had but little business during past
three months have shown liberal gains.
Demand among knit goods manufacturers
has nearly reached high marks expert
enced. previous to depression period. The
year shows several changes in demand
among garment manufacturers being more
or less uneven but now year fnds liberal
demand and outlook for future business
good. Agricultural districts report farmer
Is receiving good prices for all his produce.
the drOuth during 1905 also 1909 affected
crops and at present farmer is said to
he buying a good deal OF hay and grain
which is a drain on ready money which
he would otherwise have. Output of
diaries is said to be % per cent of the
usual market but profit has compensated
for less product.