THE OAT MARKET.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 264, 16 November 1901, Page 3

THE OAT MARKET.

DECLINE IN PRICES. TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA STOPPED. [eT TELEUEAPH —PBESS ASSOCIATION.J Invercargill, last night. Practically there is nothing fresh to report in the oatmarket. Business during the past week has been restricted to a small purchase on account- of South African orders. A few lines are now offering from the country, and even these are difficult to sell at the high prices asked. Merchants who have taken up South Africao orders are now fully covered for all commitments. The s.s. Shrewsbury is expected to load oats for South Africa, and another steamer has been chartered to load this month, and another in December. Merchants had to accept Is 6d per quarter less for the last cargo than for the orders booked last month. Business with Australia has completely stopped. There is a demand for small lines for the Xortn Island, but not sufficient to affect the market values. The stocks in the country seem to be reduced to a very small compass. Values at present are from 2s Id to 2s I'd for best B grade, on trucks at up country stations, sacks extra. This ha 3 been the first fair and spring-like day for weeks. Grass is not so plentiful as at the beginning of October, and there being no heat in the soil the harvest must be late. Fruit trees suffered greatly in the recent fierce gales.