THE LOCAL MARKETS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1921, Page 6

THE LOCAL MARKETS.

AN IMPROVED TONE. NEWS FOR HOUSEWIVES. Wholesale houses report that business shows an improved tone. The forced cutting of stocks by the weaker houses seems now to be over in the grocery trade. American Fruits. —New dried apricots have arrived and are selling well. Price is much dower than has been the case lately. Owing to frosts the prune and apricot crop will be light. Raisins. —The prohibitive rates last year precluded importation, and though the crop is less this season, prices will be lower.

Peaches.—A large crop, and prices will be about 35 per cent cheaper than last season.

Canned Fruits. —American prices are much lower but still high. Stocks ot Australian held in New Zealand have been much reduced, and the market is very much firmer.

Rice. —An advance of £4 per ton is reported, and higher rates are looked for. Tapiocas. —Supplies are very short here, and the Eastern market continues to advance. The various rises recently are equal to Id per lb. Condensed Milk—The packers of the leading brand advise that no reduction will be made before December 31. Baking Powder—The proprietors of the leading brand state that a reduction will come into force on November 1.

Bacon.—Has risen Ad per lb. Tea. —A rise of 3d to 4d per lb is advised from Ceylon. A shipment now on the way to a local imported is invoiced at 3d per lb more than a similar lot landed in August. B. and P. Cornflour. —Which has been off the market recently is now due ex “Dorset.”

Split Peas.—An advance is recorded. Leg Rope.—Price reduced again. Potatoes—A strong demand, due doubtless to the low prices. Seed Potatoes.—Good business is reported this season. Onions.—Are very difficult to secure Melbourne landed in such poor condition that importers are almost certain to sustain heavy losses. American are quoted for September shipment, but win be 200 per cent dearer than the landed price of the Australian. Oats.—Southern markets report a finning but there is little doing locally. Oils.—Benzine and kerosene are reduced Is per case. Linseed oil is inclined to firm somewhat.

Sugar.—The definite announcement by the Board of Trade that no reduction will take place until November 1, has placed supplies on a much more Satisfactory basis, as grocers are now ordering sufficient for normal requirements. There is a disposition in some quarters to consider that the Government control is somewhat responsible for the shortage in the fruit preserving season, but this is quite erroneous, as tins trouble occurs evefy year. The wise householder will provide a little reserve before the rush starts.