TRADE IN PRODUCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 973, 16 May 1930, Page 11

TRADE IN PRODUCE

HEAVY POTATO STOCKS PRICES ON LOW LEVELS SUN Office, 9 a.m. A feature of business in Auckland grain, seed, and produce circles this week has been the heavy supplies of potatoes on the spot market. The position at the moment amounts to little short of a glut of Southern tubers.

Already this season, to date, the Auckland market has absorbed more Southern potatoes than in an ormal season. 1 his week has witnessed the arrival of heavy consignments sent up by Southern merchants who have been unable to find a market elsewhere. The position now is that the spot supply exceeds the demand, and prices have dropped to around £6 15s a ton through store—levels which are well under those at which tubers were bought for May delivery well back in the season. The Auckland market is now depending almost entirely on the South, however, and it only required one Or two small shipments in place of the large ones of the last fortnight or so for things to right themselves. American Onions on Offer

The spot position in respect to onions is unaltered. Ample supplies of local onions are still available, and coming forward as required to sell through store around 5s a cwt. It is expected that the local onions will last a few weeks yet. Ample supplies of cheap onions are available in the South. During the last few days quotations for American onions for September and October delivery have been received, and a certain amount of business has been done with storekeepers on a basis of around 16s 6d to 17s a bag. Arrival of Java Maize

Approximately 4,000 sacks of Java maize arrived this week on the Narbada. This sold readily, as the quality was good, and the small grain has a big appeal to poultry feeders. Through store, Auckland merchants ask around 6s 9d a bushel for the yellow cereal. Any Gisborne maize would have to be offered at slightly under this figure to effect a sale, as poultry feeders show a decided preference for the imported grain. Wheat is very firm, and selling steadily at from 7s 9d to 7s lOd a bushel through Auckland stores. Oats are also very firm, B. Gartons selling through Auckland stores at 4s lOd a bushel, and A’s at 4s lid a bushel.

Chaff Market Firmer The market for chaff has a slightly firmer tone, with most stocks being drawn from ttm South, and no more Tasmanian chaff due till toward the end of the month. Through store, Auckland, Southern chaff is selling around £lO 10s a.ton. Stocks of pollard are low on the spot, and many merchants are experiencing difficulty in covering nearfuture requirements. The next Australian shipments is not due until near the end of the month. On the spot, merchants are asking 10s 6d a cwt. Ample supplies of bran are held, and the general through store price is 8s 9d a cwt.