GRAIN AND PRODUCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 March 1939, Page 3

GRAIN AND PRODUCE

CANTERBURY MARKETS. REPORTED FAIRLY BUSY. <By Telegraph—Press Association I ’ CHRISTCHURCH, March 17. Grain and produce markets are fairly busy, though there is no large trade in any line. Most of the milling wheat is apparently cleaned up. and deliveries have fallen off markedly. In almost every district yields have been disappointing, but the quality of the wheat is outstandingly good. A fair demand exists for all small seeds, though the demand is not big. Ryegrass of good germination is wanted badly, and a ready market exists for all that can be secured. Germinations have been particularly bad this season, and anything showing a percentage of about 80 is worth up to ss, and Italian is worth from 4s to 4s 6d. Cocksfoot is in good demand, but a number of growers, both on the plains and the peninsula, are inclined to hold for prices better than the ruling rate of between 6d and 7d. The only effect the lifting of' the Australian embargo now has on the potato market is a depressing one. Before the terms of the lifting were understood potatoes hardened, but now that it is seen that little advantage will accrue to New Zealand growers interest has slackened, and forward potatoes are weaker. There is a good demand for prompts, which are worth up to £7 a ton on trucks, but the forward market is lifeless, with quotations nominally round £6 to £6 10s for May-June. It is expected that the local crop will not be ready for digging for about a month yet. The crop promises to be fairly good. The hot, dry weather caused some withering on lighter land, but the rains have improved the outlook.