MARKETS AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 44, 14 May 1927, Page 4

MARKETS AT A GLANCE

PRODUCE TRADE REVIEWED SOUTHERN MOVEMENTS ( Si>ecial to THE SUN.-) CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. Potatoes are a little firmer. The area planted is 1,200 acres more than last year, when Sydney business accounted for 23,000 tons. This season it is possible that there will be no shipments across the Tasman. The immediate future depends in a measure on the amount of potatoes which go to Auckland on the next two or three boats. If the shipments aie heavy, it will be difficult for the market to recover for a few weeks. If the yield is short, the result will be clearly apparent in about a month, when prices may harden. Farmers who have not sold are showing a disinclination to accept present prices. June deliveries were quoted on Wednesday at 90s a ton, but fell yesterday to 87s 6d. Very little wheat is offering as farmers seem to be awaiting the result of this week’s conference between millers and the Prime Minister. The bulk of the wheat ,is in, and those hanging on are strong holders. There has been no speculation to speak of. Values are 5s 6d to 5s 7d on trucks for Tuscan, 5s lOd to 6s for Hunters, 5s 8d to 5s 9d, f.0.b., s.e., for fowl wheat and forward delivery (July), 5s 9d to 5s lOd, fo.b., s.e.

The oat market is decidedly firmer. Offerings from the country are light and there is a better f.o.b. demand. From 2s 3d to 2s 4d on truck for Gartons, three weeks ago, the price has advanced to from 2s 7d to 2s Bd. Southland oats are in a very bad way, and general estimates consider that 30 per cent, of the crop there has been saved in good condition, but trouble is looked for on the other 7.0 per cent. There is some export inquiry, for the most part from Australia, but little business has been done.

A Gartons, for prompt delivery, are quoted at 3s 3id to 3s 4d, f.0.b., s.i. For forward delivery, May to September, the quotation is 3s 4id, with sellers hard to find. There is a better demand in the North Island for under grade and 13 grade, prices ranging from 2s 9d to 3s, f.0.b., s.i., according to variety. Machine-dressed and clipped Algerian makes 4s 3d, f.0.b., s.i. For good quality, chaff has firmed 7s 6d a ton in the last 10 days. The rise is due to one of the reasons responsible for the firming of oats, fear of a hard winter, and hand feeding. There is a good shipping demand at from £3 10s to £3 15s to growers on trucks for good bright quality, equal to £5 to £5 ss, f.0.b., s.i., for May. Growers have shown disinclination to sell further ahead. Quotations for June to September are £5 15s a ton, f.0.b., s.i.

Peas: There has been over-selling in Partridge peas, and a firm market has resulted in a difficulty in filling obligations. The supply is practically finished and the crop was not very satisfactory, January having been dry and hot. Up to 8s 9d, f.0.b., s.i., has been paid for No. 1 grade. The truck value is 7s 6d to 8s for No. 1 grade. Grass seeds: This branch of business is dead. Cow grass has little movement and is worth 9d a lb on trucks. Farmers’ dressed clover makes from 8d to 9d on trucks. White clover is in little inquiry at from 8d to BAd a lb on trucks. The quality varies. Cocksfoot is worth 41d to 5d a lb for standard cocksfoot and 9d a lb for 16-171 b seed. Ryegrass is dead. The price on trucks of Western Wolths is Is 9d (nominal) a bushel; Perennial, 2s 6d to 2s 9d a bushel; Italian, Is 9d to 2s a bushel; Peninsula Bays’ standard, 16-171 b seed (nominal), 9d a lb. There is a plentiful supply of onions.