MARKETS AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 27, 23 April 1927, Page 5

MARKETS AT A GLANCE

PRODUCE TRADE REVIEWED maize landing from java Maize continues to give merchants greatest concern and supplies of the Zealand cereal are reported to be almost exhausted. Holders of stocks in the Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay districts are chary about quitting, hoping always for further increases, and only spasmodic sales are registered from that quarter, despite the fact that Auckland merchants are prepared to offer even up to Ts 9d on the wharf, Auckland. A few small lots of Java maize ex Sydney hive been landed in Auckland during the past few weeks, the Ulimaroa bringing 700 sacks on Tuesday last. A direct shipment is due to arrive from Java early next month and this is Feeing offered to storekeepers at 7s 6d 7s 9d free on rail or boat, Auckland. Heavy stocks of potatoes are held locally, the Waipiata landing a large Southern -shipment early this week. The bulk of this consignment was contracted for before it left the South, however. Prices in the South have eased about 15s during the last 14 days and this morning’s quotations were in the vicinity of £4 5s per ton f.0.b., South Island ports for f.a.q. parcels. Local potatoes are hard to quit, buyers preferring the Southern product at the higher price. ONION MARKET GLUTTED Practically no market exists for onions and though prices vary according to quality, it is difficult for the farmer to obtain £3 a ton on country stations. It is only when stocks of farmers who are holding crops in the field and are prepared to meet the market rather than store are exhausted that the market can be expected to show an improvement. The end of next month is the earliest any distinct hardening in values can be looked for. A slightly firmer tone is registered in the Southern fowl wheat market. Good stocks are held locally at late quotations. Good available supplies of bran are meeting with only a mediocre demand, though pollard sales are increasing and shortened supplies are expected in some quarters to bring about a general Increase in the price for this product within the next few days. Australia operating in the South has caused the oat market to advance, but, with the large stocks avaliable, it is not expected that there will be any great increase in values within the next week or so. B Gartons can be located at 2s 9d in the South, though Js lOd is the most general quotation. 3s is asked for A’s. An improved local demand is recorded for chaff and prices are firm in the South. Grass seed sales still continue to be made for autumn sowing, but most merchants report the winter fallingoff of business. Sales of fertilisers to the farmer are easing, with sales not being expected again till the spring. Steady business is recorded, however, and a great deal of forward buying is reported, especially among the merchants, who are taking advantage of the low superphosphate values. A shipment of Calcutta bonedust is due tb arrive on the Sussex early In May and Is now being offered at aii ss, the ship.