CORN EXCHANGE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2025, 20 August 1880, Page 3

CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the report of the Corn Exchange. Christchurch, for the week ending Friday evening, the 20th instant Confirmatory reports from various districts are to hand with respect to the seasonable weather for farming operations. The unusually mild winter has enabled tbe farmers to carry out sowing under the most favoured circumstances. The rainfall from the beginning of the year in many parts is stated to be below tho average. At Christchurch Meteorological Observatory, tho recorded rainfall from first of January to tho end of last month has only been 10 93 inches, the general average for the same period being 15.92 inches since tho beginning of 1866. Up to the present date the measured rainfall much resembles that of the year 1878, which for tho first seven months was only 9.50 nches.

The grain market is in a languid slate. The farmers do not seem disposed to realise upon their wheat, even at the advanced rates which have recently taken place. At the present prices there is no opening for the buyers operating for tho Homo markets. The local millers will have no difficulty in purchasing for their requirements, and it is probable that rates may then recede, unless the harvest prospects in the United Kingdom become unfavourable. The intercolonial wheat markets are easier. Advices from Adelaide up to the 6th instant report that 212,528 tons of cereals have been shipped, and that there is a balance of 87,607 yet available for export out of last year’s crop. The market value for the best wheat is reported at 4s 2d to 4s 4d per bushel, and these values have been asked for cargoes. Freights are now procurable there at 40a Tper ton for export to the United Kingdom. The season in South Australia has been very favorable, and the crops in consequence promise well. Wheat. —The wheat market is in short supply of good milling wheat. Tho local millers are still operating freely. Sales have been effected daring tho week at fall rates for average size parcels of wheat for milling purposes. Farmers in easy circumstances are not anxious to sell. Wheat in prime milling order is worth 4s to 4s 2d per bushel. There are several inquiries for seed wheat, which is saleable at 4s 3d to 4s 9d according to quality. Chick feed is in demand at 2s to 2s 6d per bushel. Oats. —The demand has improved. The price has not altered during the week. First-class bright milling arc obtainable at ls6dtola7d per bushel. Feeding kinds are in free supply at Is 3d to Is 4d, and inferior samples do not command over Is to Is 2d per bushel.

Barley—There are inquiries for first class malting barley at 3s to 3s 3d, second class ‘at 2s to 2s 3d, feed at Is 6d to Is 8d per bushel. The supply of inferior qualities is in excess of the demand.

Potatoes—There is a total absence on tho part of the trade to do business. The stocks held by tho farmers are heavy. There is no inducement to ship to the Sydney market. As tho season advances there will bo a slacker demand, and consequently the present rates are not likely to be maintained. Since last week’s report the price has fallen. For potatoes in prime condition values cannot bo quoted at over £1 to .81 2s fid per ton. Grass Seed—Per rye grass there has been a fair demand. Well cleaned samples are offered at from 2a 9d to 3s, medium to inferior at 2s fid to Is fid per bushel. Cheese and Butter —The former is offered freely from 4d to 4Jd per lb. Butter is in good supply at 8d to 9d per lb., with a slack inquiry. Hay—sos to 55s per ton, delivered in.town.