11 APRIL 1931, Page 38

Financial Notes

, STEADY MARKETS.

AT the moment of writing business on the Stock Exchange has scarcely been resumed after the Easter holidays, attention being, for the most part, concentrated upon the arrangements of the fortnightly settlement. Previous to the holidays, however, markets while quiet showed on the whole a favourable tendency especially as regards British Funds and other gilt- edged securities, monetary prospects being regarded as somewhat more favourable, in view of the rise in the French Exchange on London and the gaining of a moderate amount of gold by the Bank of England. Moreover, a welcome develop- ment has been the rally in Australian securities following upon the prompt recognition by the Commonwealth Government of its responsibilities in the matter of New South Wales obligations which were virtually repudiated by the Premier, Mr. Lang. Nevertheless, the Australian- financial and econ- omic situation still gives cause for great anxiety as there would seem to be prospects of an endeavour to relieve the situation along the lines of inflation. In the speculative markets South African Mining shares continue to show some activity and strength.