ASHBURTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 23

ASHBURTON.

Wheat. — Since last week's lepoit, several large lines of grain have been threshed oui, of stack, and placed on the market. Local merchants and millers who have been buying freely siftce the opening of the season, appa-i-sntfy purchased all their present requirements, and a distinctly easier feeling in the market at once prevailed, and outside prices being lower, a. drop of Id to 2d a bushel took place. The same trouble that has baen experienced thiouglroUt the past year is again noticeable, in that Australia, is able to supply flour at a cheaper rate than the local millers can manufactuie it, and this is restricting buying on the milleis' accounts very grea.tly. Owing to the extremely dry ■weather, threshing has proceeded without any check whatever, and the bulk of the grain intended to ba threshed before winter has now b*en placed on the market, although m some instances fanners- are holding their grain m the field?, thinking that the market will again recover. Values on trucks — Tuscan and pearl, 4s Id to 4s 2d; Hunters. 4s. Oats. Supplies of all classes are very short lcdee-d. Farmers looking ahead for winter food for their stock arc disinclined to sell any further oats or chaff, and it is doubtful if sufficient has been placed in the local stores to satisfy the town, demand for horse fec-d for any length of time. Chjiff is wanted on all sides, even farmers in many instances- requiring to buy for their own use. Although the market has a firmer tone, prices have, so far, not advanced in any way. quotations being:— Milling, 2s Id to 2s 2d; good, short feed artdi Duns, 2a to 2s Id; light feed, Danish, Is 10d. Oatsheaf chaff is almost unprocurable. £Z 10s, being offered for prime quality delivered, sacks extra.