TRADE IN PRODUCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 381, 15 June 1928, Page 12

TRADE IN PRODUCE

THE WEEK REVIEWED DEARER POTATOES JUNE 15, 9 a.m. Still dearer onions, a firming of the potato market, and a slight easing in maize have all helped to add interest to grain, seed and produce circles over the week. Pollard, following an easing of the demand, and Australian importations, has been reduced £1 a ton by Southern millers. /CONSIDERABLE inconvenience has been experienced of late by the irregularity of the shipping, due chiefly to bad weather hindering the prompt lifting of cargoes tn the South. Potatoes, despite the heavy shipments of little more than a week ago, are getting into very short compass on the spot. Values are firming with every indication that even higher prices will rule toward the middle of next week, when the next Southern boat is expected. At the moment business generally is being transacted through store around £7 15s. Up to £8 is being paid for special lots, especially for delivery next week. The seed potato business continues to register a brighter tone, and fair qualities for this time of the year are being got through by most Auckland merchants. Big Advance in Southern Onions The spot market for prime repicked Southern onions has advanced sharply over the week to see quotations around 16s a cwt. Estimates regarding stocks held by Pukekohe growers have apparently proved wide of the mark, and it seems that holders that have little to send forward. Attention has therefore been directed to Melbourne, and a limited quantity is due from that quarter at an early date. Orders for the Melbourne shipment are being booked for delivery ex the ship's side at from 16s 6d to 17s a cwt. Uncertainty is felt as to the quality of the shipment. No further developments are reported In regard to the later arrivals from Japan and Canada. Maize Market Easier Maize, contrary to expectations, has a slightly easier tone this week. Although there is no abatement of the demand at this end, it seems that Bay of Plenty growers have been holding back for greater quantities than was at first thought. Fairly heavy supplies have been coming forward from those parts over the past week or so, and this has tended to bear the market. The quality is very mixed, some selling as low as 5s on the Auckland wharf. Best quality cereal still make up to 6s.

Gisborne sellers have indicated a greater desire for actual business and sales have been put through there at 5s 9d f.o.b. for prime quality cereal. Forward sellers are now soliciting business for August-September delivery of the new season's crop at 5s 9d f.o.b. but, ns far as is known, have not been successful. Counter offers of 5s 6d also fail to draw actual contracts. To the unbiased observer it appears that, while holders of the old season’s crop will not see much lower values for their grain than those ruling at the moment, it is hard to see how the mar-