COMMERCIAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2482, 4 March 1881, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

MELBOURNE PRODUCE MARKET. Messrs McGregor, Gordon and Co. of Hie Australian Grain and Produce Warehouse, Melbourne, report on February 16 : Breadstuff.*.—The intelligence from London of the decline in wheat has caused a weaker tone to rule here. Piime shipping parcels, delivered f.0.b., are at 4s pr me milling, either Wimmera or Goulbonrn Valley, is at 3s lid, and at these ra'es we have sold large parcels ; medium, at 3s 7d to 3s !)d : fully (If) per cent of the grain lo hand is of a medium quality. The arrivals from the country continue large ; the estimated stocks of wheat and flour in oni metropolitan stores are 290,000 bags. Freights to London are slightly easier. Country flour is at £8 17s Gd nett ex store.

Barley—All descriptions are dull of sale at present, stocks held of English being heavy. Cape and inferior grains are at 2s lld to 2 1 3d.

'Oats—The small crop and the medium quality of Victorian milling has caused a brisk demand for New Zealand. We have sold 1400 bushels in bond at a satisfactory rate : prime, duty paid, rules now at 3s 2d. Stocks in hand, nil. Maize is at 3s 7d with a tendency to decline.

Grass Seeds—live-grass—Our crops arc small, but better cleaned and a heavier grain ihan previous years. Consequent up n the increased acreage to be put under grass we anticipate a good outlet for Victorian and New Zealand seeds the coming season, uocksfoot—Stocks on hand of the best grain are nominal, our expert orders having cleared our market of all good parcels at the close of last season. Tobacco Leaf—No alteration. No. 1 leaf is at Daily Produce —Cheese ; Since our last report wc have sold large parcels, but at very unremunerative rates ; prime at 4}d ; good at 3;}d ; medium at 2-id ; inferior is worthless. Orders for export for large lines of our best dairies are coming forward which will relieve our market.

Butter, potted—Prime in good condition we have sold at 5;'J-d ; private daries at Gjd the parcels being extra prime. Good commands, »d ; medium, 3d ; inferior, lid,

Butter, fresh—We disposed of all the private dairies in good condition, at prices ranging from 8d to lOd ; other lots from 4d to Gd per lb. The extreme heat has materially affected the condition. Eggs are at 7d to lOd. Honey is scarce, as also arc country haras and bacon.