TRADE IN PRODUCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 281, 17 February 1928, Page 12

TRADE IN PRODUCE

MARKETS REVIEWED AMPLE POTATO STOCKS An advance of 25s in the price of bran and pollard has been one*of the week’s features in grain, seed and produce circles. The market for most other lines has been steady, registering little movement. Merchants are now drawing on Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Canterbury and Fukekohe for potatoes, and stocks on the spot are ample for present requirements. A large percentage of low-grade local tubers meet with a dull sale and prices in the marts for all varieties range from 7s to 12s a cwt, according to quality. A shipment of Canterbury tubers came to hand over the week, and, while the majority arrived in good order, many failed to carry. Increasing quantities can be expected from now on, the quality improving as the tubers mature. The best of this week’s shipment found a market at from 13s to 14s through store Auckland. No appreciable reduction in values can be looked for until early next month when the main crop will become available. Merchants are still drawing on the Manawatu, and tubers from that quarter sell through store up to 14s a cwt. More attention paid to the grading of local potatoes has resulted in a better sample coming on the market, and parcels realise up to 12s through store. A slight weakening was noticeable in the onion market at the beginning of the present week, but values are now firm around £lO 10s on the trucks Pukekohe, due no doubt to exporters covering a few small commitments for the next mail boat. The market for oats remains firm, with supplies short on the spot, though ample supplies can be expected shortly from the South. Values through store Auckland are steady around 4s 6d for B’s and 4s 9d for A Gartons. Heavier arrivals of maize over the week coming on to a bare market met with a ready sale at 6s on the wharf. Continued heavy arrivals at the moment with the cheaper rates ruling for wheat would no doubt see a reduction in the price. Regular shipments of wheat are now coming to hand from the South, allowing the cereal to go into consumption at from 8s to 8s 3d through store. It is anticipated that a further reduction of about 3d a bushel will take place within the next few weeks. Bran is extremely scarce on the spot and, following a rise in the price of the South Island product, quotations through store are steady around £9"h ton. The product of the Auckland mills is available at lower rates, but supnlies are not sufficient to cope with the abnormal demand. Pollard is also selling freely, the price of the Southern product now being quoted at £lO 10s through store. Owing to the continuation of the dry spell deliveries of grass seed are being held up, though merchants generally report considerable activity in the demand.