TRADE IN PRODUCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 755, 30 August 1929, Page 10

TRADE IN PRODUCE

POTATO MARKET EASIER HEAVY SUPPLIES ARRIVING THE SUN OFFICE, 9 a.m. Heavy arrivals scheduled for the next seven days have brought about an easing in the potato position. The market in the South has dropped back up to £1 a ton over the past few days. The spot market was practically bare of surplus supplies yesterday, but the Waipiata this morning brought approximately 7,000 sacks of tables, while the Kawatiri on Tuesday next brings up to 8,000 sacks, and the Wingatui is expected to lift another fairly heavy shipment from Lyttelton today. The nominal through store price yesterday was around £l3 a ton; today quotations eased to around £l2 10s, and it is quite on the cards that £l2 will be the general price next week. Southern quotations for September delivery are easier at £ 9 5s f.o.b. The improved weather of the past few days has brought about an increased inquiry for seed potatoes. First of American Onions The first of this season’s American onions arrived in a small parcel on the Golden Cross this week. The sack lots are reported to be in excellent condition, and are selling around 17s 6d per 100 lb. sack through store. The few case lots are reported to have arrived in rather inferior condition. Stocks of Japanese onions held on the spot are now giving merchants considerable concern, and require constant attention. Unpicked-over lots are selling at from 12s to 14s in the marts. Picked-over lots in good order make up to 18s through" 'store. Maize continues to meet with a good retail demand, but, from the producers’ point of view, the market is weak. Ample supplies are available, and there is practically no strength in the market, although quotations, nominally, show little change. Wheat Very Firm The market for wheat continues firm on recent levels with merchants on the spot asking 7s 7d to 7s 9d through store, according to the size of the parcel. Oats are also very firm and, on the spot, quotations for B gartons hold at 4s 8d to 4s 9d a bushel. The very firm tone of the chaff market, and the difficulty in obtaining supplies of the Southern product, has caused merchants to look overseas, and orders have been booked for Tasmanian chaff on a basis of £ 9 5s on the Auckland wharf. Supplies should arrive in about a fortnight’s time. Produce Boat Movements The Waipiata arrived from the South this morning and returns on Tuesday to start reloading. The Kawatiri, from Bluff and Timaru, leaves Lyttelton at four o’clock this afternoon for Auckland direct, where she is due on Monday next. The Wingatui, from Dunedin, leaves Lyttelton at three o’clock this afternoon for Auckland, via Wellington. The vessel is scheduled to commence discharge of cargo here on Tuesday morning next. The Aorangi, with the first big shipment this season of American onions, is due here Monday week. The Ivaitangata, from South Australian ports and Melbourne, leaves Hobart tomorrow’ and is due in Auckland, via Southern ports, about the middle of next month.