COMMERCIAL.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1002, 26 February 1883, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

GRAIST MARKET. The N.Z. L. &c M.A. Co. in their circular of February report on the Canterbury market as follows : . Wheat. —The . splendid condition of the early gathered crops has made threshing a simple operation, and a surprising quantity is already bagged. Though an intermittent trade »was passing towards the close of January, it was not until the first week of February that the market presented any life. Since the 3rd instant, there has been a keen demand in all directions. Buyers, too anxious to secure parcels, have,not waited the leisurely visit of. the grower, but have hunted him up and secured his grain. In the competition thus established, prices have gradually advanced from 3s fid and 3s 8d f.o.b. to 4s and 4s 3d f.o.b. with a strong demand still existing. This unexpected jump is no doubt clue to the hardening tendency of rates in London, and to a good demand for both wheat and flour from Australia. It is computed that tip to the present fully 2,000,000 bushels have been contracted for by merchants. Oats.—A steady business has transpired in this grain during the interval under review, old oats having been placed at 2s 3d to 2s 5d f.0.b,, whilst new crop has changed hands at Is lOd to 2s Id, according to quality. At these rates the market for the moment is firm, and,with London to fall back upon at moderate freights, it is doubtful if the season will witness any marked fluctuations in our prices Current.