TRADE IN PRODUCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 803, 25 October 1929, Page 12

TRADE IN PRODUCE

POTATO MARKET WEAK DIFFICULT TO STORE .. .. The Sun Office, 9 a.m. Little movement has been recorded in grain, seed and produce circles over the week. Potatoes still command the most attention, but the market is weak, and Auckland merchants are only buying from hand to mouth. Stocks of potatoes on the spot are ample for immediate requirements. Difficulty is being experienced in keeping the tubers more than a few days as they soon commence to sprout, and quite an appreciable percentage of loss is reported by holders. The quality of the potatoes held on the Auckland market varies, and prices range accordingly. Up to 10s a cwt. is asked for best grade through Auckland stores. The rain of the last week should give the new crop a boost along and, as soon as the weather clears for digging, increased offerings can be expected on the local markets. At the moment new potatoes are selling in the vicinity of 25s to 28s a cwt. Ample Stocks of Onions Ample stocks of onions are held on the spot, and prices are unchanged at late rates. The Waihemo brought about 3,000 bags and crates this week; the Golden West next week brings a further shipment from California, and the Aorangi on Novmbr 10 brings another lot from Vancouver. Through store, Auckland, merchants ask around ISs a bag, according to the size of the parcel, and from 19s to 20s for crates. Cereal Market Quiet The cereal market shows practically no movement. Oats are steady at late rates, Auckland merchants selling B Gartons at 4s 9d a bushel. The market for this grain has a firming tendency. Chaff is in very short supply, and considerable difficulty is beiijg experienced in getting orders confirmed in the South. On this account it is likely that a further shipment from Tasmania will be arranged for at an early date. Through store. Auckland, merchants ask from £lO 10s to £ll a ton, according to quality and the size of the parcel. A shipment from Tasmania arrives next week. Wheat sells steadily at 7s 9d through ! store, Auckland. Little change is shown in the maize position. Tho Bay of Plenty price is still nominally 5s 3d on trucks; this price is broken for any sizeable order. The nominal price on the Auckland wharf is 5s 8d; through store, the cereal sells at 6s Gd a bushel. The demand for bran is easing with the approach of warmer weather. Tho spring rush of business in topdressing manures is practically finished, and merchants are now looking round for orders for autumn deliveries. Produce Boat Movements Tho Waihemo, from the Pacific Coast, arrived in Auckland on Tuesday last, carrying, with other cargo, onions. Tho Golden West, according to a. radio message, is expected to reach | Auckland from Los Angeles. The Aorangi, which is due on Sunday week from Vancouver, also carries onions. The Kaitangata is due at Auckland this evening from Devonport (Tas-N mania). The Kaikorai, from Editliburg, Woollaroo, and Adelaide, left Melbourne last Tuesday for Auckland direct, where she is due on Tuesday next. A steamer is fixed to load at South Australian ports, Melbourne and Tasmania early in November for New Zealand ports. i The Wingatui. from South Island j ports, leaves Wellington today for : Auckland, where she is due on Monday, j The Kurow loads at Bluff today and j leaves tomorrow via Dunedin, Timaru, ! Lyttelton and Wellington for Auck- | land. J The Waipiata, leaves Auckland this evening on her return trip to WellingI ton, Lyttelton and Dunedin. At the latter port she loads about Thursday next, thence Timaru, Lyttelton and Wellington for Auckland.