Good business has been done at the auctions during the week, where merchants obtained all their requirements, the result being that practically no private business has been done. Prices showed slight fluctuation, but generally the mi et was steady. country buyers are keeping their purchases at a minimum, holding out for cheaper cargo in view of the exchange. On the other hand, it has to be considered that home prices have doubled compared with last year, while the cost for some cargo' has more than doubled. The auctions close down now for three weeks Sales were quite satisfactory at Probst's auction on Tuesday. Bidding was keen, and prices remain-steady in spite of the further rise in exchange. Owing to the approaching New Year holidays, there will be the usual three week: break in the sales, and the next auction will be held on March 2 Prices at Ewo auction on Wednesday varied but slightly from those of the previous week. On the whole, there was practically no change. The quantity disposed of was 170 packages. The next auction will be held in the first week in March For the last Yuenfong sale before China New Year 804 packages were offered and in view of the increased quantities prices were well maintained. Bidding AS brisk from all the iver centres. Black Venetians steady results.
Italians and White!
Shirtings showed a fall of 1} and one mace respectively. Grey Shirtings, Sheetings and Jeans average ed 4 mace higher. Reds were a little weaker. Generally, the market was firm, A telegram dated the 2nd instant gave the New York market as being steady, with quotations: 36.12 March, 31.14 May, 31.95 July, and 39.50 spot.
The tone of the Liverpool market is also reported steady, with latest quotations as follows Pence Egyptian Fully Good Fair Sakellaridis 77.00 Fine M. C. Bengal Good-Middling 27.65 On the 30th ultimo Messrs. Tata Sons & Ca. received the following' telegram from their Liverpool agents: January, 1921, deliveries doing at 28.34. In consequence of the activity of trade generally, spinners are heavily under contract, for yarns. In consequence - of decline in exchange, and also heavy transport charges and cost of pro-before. ary seems cheap and duction, prices are higher than ever
ye are advi: ing our friends to cover 'A Liverpool telegram of the 23rd ultimo states that the Ginners' Censor's report is 10,322,000 bales, anticipations being exceeded.
Sampin quotations closing on the Sth instant were as follows: Y.635.10 Februa Y.627 March, Y.620 April, Y.608.20 May, Y.599 June. and Y:59 July.
The latest quotation for Broach is Rs. 552 per handy. On the 30th ultimo, the Bombay market was reposted bullish, with a rise of The local market for Indian yarns has been steady. Some inquiry has been made for deliveries in China new year.
China cotton market has been steady during the week. Some forward business has been done, but nothing of importance.
Yeaterdav's quotations were:—Is. 314
29 Ningpo 1 263 Taichong vu" 30) Hungkow 3) oak Shensi J " 33 Shensi IT 30
In common with all products, this business remains stagnant on account of the vagaries of exchange. Local prices remain steady, and no decline within the next. few weeks is to be looked for. It remains to be seen whether home buyers will follow the advance in exchange.
There is practically no business to report, exchange again being the reason. prices are steady, having reached quite a low level, and though they may still decline one or two points, should neither America nor Europe be in the 18.25 market, Home buyers will have to come up considerably in their views if they intend to be serious purchasers.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.