GRAIN AND PRODUCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 August 1938, Page 3

GRAIN AND PRODUCE

CANTERBURY MARKET PRICES. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 5. Although the Minister of Marketing, Hon W. Nash, has said that he has no knowledge that the Australian Federal Government is about to lift the embargo on New Zealand potato exports, merchants and growers alike are still hoping that some arrangement for substantial exports will be made before the season is too far advanced. It seems that the market will be little aided by exports to the Argentine. The only consignment reported to that country was said originally to consist of 2000 tons, but it is now stated that the quantity has dwindled to 500 or 600 tons. In any case the order would have had little effect on the local market, for 2000 tons is equal approximately to only two ordinary shipments to the North Island. Unless, therefore, the Government can discover markets not before exploited, Australia is the only country through which there is a chance of the local market getting some relief. The quotation to farmers is unchanged at £2 10s a ton. The August increment of Jd a bushel has gone on to wheat and prices now are Tuscan 5s IOJd, Hunters’ 6s OJd, Pearl and Velvet 6s 2£d. The wet weather has prevented the tilling of land and has therefore delayed the seasonal revival in the small seeds trade, which is still lifeless.