The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1916-02-24
SOME WOOL Is BEING
BOUGHT ON CONTRACT.

SOME WOOlA Is BEING
BOUGHT ON CONTRACT.
Contracting wool on the sheep's
back has started rather lively and at
good prices, according to the Boston
Commercial Bulletin of last week,
Here are some extracts from the wool
news of that issue that will inter-
est the Montana flockmasters as they
hint something of the trend of affairs
in the wool centers:
"How much wool has been con-
tracted for in the west seems to be
more or less of moot question. Most
dealers estimate the quantity at a.
rond 100000 pounds, while others
also we'll posted believe the guam
tity contracted to be in excess of this
100000 pounds. The purchases
have been on basis of at least 20
cents, clean landed here, and some
think the basis has been even more
in some cases. Certainly if reports
are correct that the Taylor clip in
Nevada amounting to some 100000
pounds, has been bought at % cents,
on an estimated shrinkage approx
mating 20 per cent and freight rate
VI eIoouC C"O SCAIo llC SiSdA ldIOCN
cost is very materially in excess of 20
cents; indeed,it would be nearer 80
cents, although this basis is undeni-
ably excessive. The greater part of
the contracts have been placed in
Utah and the southern Idaho sections
although scattering clips have been
bought at various points through the
territory sections"
,~1y ~
conditions for wool at Boston the
following will be of interest:
'The week has added the
strength of the wool situation. Bust
ness has been of fairly good proper
tons, rather above the average vol
ume having been sold. including a
considerable quantity of foreign
wool to arrive. Trading between
dealers has not been pronounced
but something is being done more or
less steadily by the brokers. The
demand from manufacturers, how
ever. is steady and for stable lots of
wool.
Prices are slightly higher in in
stances but generally speaking the
market is firm as compared with a
year ago. There is "a distinct tenden-
cy, however, for wool merchants to
demand more money for their hold
ings and the tendency of the mar
ket is undoubtedly higher.
"The situation in the goods mar
ket is probably unparalleled in the
history of the trade. Certainly only
the oldest men in the trade can re-
member any situation similar to
that now obtaining and it is doubtful
if even then the conditions were
comparable with those now obtain
ing. The conviction is steadily be-
ing forced upon the trade that stock
of goods on the shelves of clothing
men and manufacturers are exceed
ingly light and the domestic demand
for cloth is exceedingly heavy.
"Some manufacturers are said tC
have found themselves in the posi-
ton of being able to sell the produc
ton of their mills considerably be
yond the possibilities of production
and this fact has had the possibili
ties of production, and this fact has
had no tendency to lessen their con
fidence in the situation and price!
which have been advanced in some
cases as much as so cents per yar(
over the prices prevailing a year agt
seem to deter buyers hardly at all.
"Yarn manufacturers and WOO
combers report a decidedly stronE
market for their purOducts anf
prices are steadily rising, advance
Of two and three cents a pound de
manded from the weavers meetin!
with only perfunctory objection i
indeed any at all Deliveries are tn
cry with most of the buyers OF yarn
and tons and the call for shipment
is urgent.
The Foreign Markets.
The possibilities of buying WOO
for the United States in the foreign
markets is being narrowed constant
ly. The season is drawing to a clos
in Australia and Americans can i'm
port from the island and continen
only merinos at the present time an
if Yorkshire has her way, even thes
4 will be embargoed to us presently
Whether we shall eventually obtai
the woods from New Zealand estima
. ted to amount to 10000 bales o
more, that have been embargoe
4 there, although bought in good fait
I with good American money, remain
\ to be seen. Last week the prospect
n in this direction seemed especial
1 encoura 9ing but the advices upo
which that encouragement wa
/ based appear to have intimated NOR
than was actually meant or at lea
] more than was warranted to b
1 drawn from them by way Of concll
sion.
"FThere have been sales in Austrs
Z LA this week at Melbourne and Syt
I ney with prices generally maintaine
4 on firm basis. The best woods see,
to have been q trifle easier at Sydne