Cut Bank pioneer press. [volume] (Cut Bank, Mont.) 1909-current, 1915-01-08
Portland.
THE PoKAN MARKET.

There is a very general inclination
to look for appreciate improvement
following the holidays, and the basis
OF such expectations is found not alone
in the course of local developments,
but in the cumulative trend of advices
as affecting all leading branches of
commerce, industry and finance for
the country. Prominent among the fea-
lures that bespeak an expansion in de-
mands after January /, is the fact that
a very considerable number of logging
camps, which have suspended opera
tions for several months past, will
start up with full crews, for the re-
Punishment of stocks, and to care for
what is thought will be increased req
uisitions from the mills, many of
which will increase their forces and
output to care for the requirements of
spring business, and in the expecta-
ton of a revival in the acquisitions of
large consumers.
The most important local effects are
shown in the continued advance in
wheat and cereals, which have shown
still further enhancement during the
week, while considerable shipments of
kOA - 6OAA6 " - ~ IA
land Empire for the use of armies in
the field. In the iron and steel trade
the same influence is effective, as well
as in the manufacture of some lines of
cotton goods.
Sugar-The sugar market has been
giving evidence of instability during
the past two weeks. In spite of the
relatively firm position of raws, the
element of uncertainty holds promi-
nent in this staple, and the effect is to
cause dealers to operate only as their
immediate requirements demand, with
the result that business generally is
rather restricted.
Butter-There has been little or no
change in the butter market, although
the recent ~protracted spell of cold
weather has had a tendency to de-
crease the milk supply to some extent,
and the surplus is not so pronounced
as heretofore, Washington creamery
holding steady at 33@36c.
Eggs-The cold weather has
checked the increased production of
eggs, and the market has been show
ing a steadier undertone, holding at
$11@12, however, for ranch, but with
surplus working off more satisfactor-
lily.
Dressed Meats--Trade is still just
s~easonable, with the market I'M
changed for all lines during the past
week.
Cured Meats-There have been no
fluctuations during the past week, but
there are still fair supplies, and only
fairly sustained quotations.
A~pples-This commodity is still In
abundant supply and selling at SIPS
as the top mark for strictly fancy
stock, with a range down to soc for
fair.
Other Fruits-Oranges have been
quite prominent recently and fancy ma
wells are jobbing quite freely at $3.50
@3.25, according to size.
Potatoes-Spuds have firmed up a
trifie under the influence of the cold
weather and are selling at 85c for
home grown with Yakimas at $1.10,
with sweets quoting at $3.50.
Other Vegetables-Celery has been
moving freely ut 65@75c per doz. and
hot house lettuce is firmer at 75c per
box. Otherwise there is no change of
note in the vegetable line.
Wheat-Ho1ders of wheat in the Pa
ciic Northwest are very firm as to
their views in reference to price and
are releasing very little of their hold
ings. Wheat stocks in first hands are
quite small, but dealers and speculat-
ors have considerable wheat and are
not impressed with present values,
Notwithstanding they are higher now
than at any time this season. Prices
at the moment are $1.1Sk for blue
stem, $1.15h for club and red Rus
sian at $1.10h.
Flour-Business holds up to a
steady volume, and the prospects are
that it will continue that way, as
stocks are light and have to be re-
plenished from time to time, although
there is no desire in any quarter to
accumulate supDlieS.