Agriculutral.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2295, 26 March 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

Agriculutral.

REVIEW OF THE BRITISH CORN TRADE. There is nothing: new in tho agricultural prospect. Very little out-door work is now possible, and the genoral aspect of affairs is about the average for tho time of year. From the Continent, and from America advices are of the nature usually received at. this season. The firmness in the wheat trade has been maintained fairly well. During the earlier part of the week prices were quoted (id to Is per qr, higher, aiul although they have since shown rather less steadiness in response to lower New York prices, a quotable reaction can hardly bo mentioned. The London stock of wheat has diminished about 41,000 qrs. during tho past three months, and is about 9,000 qrs. less than last year, but then it must bo remembered that tho import so far this season has fallen short of what it was in tho corresponding period of ISSS-S6 by about 2,500,000 cwts. This deficiency in tho imports is not, however, traceable to any difficulty in obtaining supplies from abroad. There are ample stocks in India to be drawn upon, to say nothing of an American visible supply exceeding that Of la«t year by about 5,000,000 bushels. The hardening of prices now going on here most probably will stimulate the export movement to us, in which event the real strength of the market will beat once tested. There is already a liberal supply of wheat and flour afloat to us exceeding thut of last year by about 460,000 qrs. A more remunerative range of prices here could hardly fail to lead to a heavier export movement unless a stronger reason than at present exists should be shown to keep back the produce. For the moment, however, the market is strong, and tho imperial weekly average has risen to 355. id. per qr. In the flour market there has been a fair display of animation. Supplies have been about the average. The demand was on a fair average scale, and prices have risen 6d. to Is. per sack. Stocks in London, although about 53,000 sacks more than last year, have been reduced since October last by about 10S.000 sacks. The barley trade has been characterised by firmness. The steadiness which has been more or less marked throughout the grain trade has extended itself to barley, and whilst malting produos has been quite as doar, grinding has realised an advance of la. perqr. The average price for the season, however, is still 3s. per qr. below 1885-86— namely, 275. 2d., against 30s. 2d. per qr. Imports have continued on a liberal scale, and in the 19 weeks have exceeded those of last season by 3,550,000 cwts., whilst the quantity on passage is about 70,000 qrs. more than last year. The stock in London is about 7,000 qrs. lees than last year—namely, 122,629 qrs., against 115,147 qrs.—-but compared with October last there has been a decided increase, the total on that date being only 52,972qr5. Prolonged wintry weather may accentuate the present steadiness, but a return of mildness might upset the market. Oats have been firm throughout the week, and prices have tended against the buyer to the extent of 3d. to Od. per qr. Fresh arrivals were not large, and the demand for consumption was fully up to the average. During the past three months the stock in London has increased 223,000 qrs.—being now 705,994, against 467,909 qrs a year ago. The maize trade has been rather dull. American prices come easier, and the tendency hero is against the seller. Beans have marked a further advance of Gd. to Is. per qr,, and peas hare been fully as dear as last week, In America the trade was at first dull, but was stronger towards the close. Wheat, after being dealt in at a decline of ceuts per bushel, rallied to within a cent {of last week's prices. The visible supply has increased 615,000 bushels on the week, and is now 63,345,689 bushels, against 58,000,000 bushels last year. The shipments from the Atlantic ports to Europe last week were 1,390,000 bushels. Flour was dull, and five cents lower. Maize was inactive and -4 cent easier on the week. The visible supply has increased 1,295,000 bushels on the week, and is now 15,077,848 bushels. The shipments from the Atlantic ports to Europe last week were 740,000 bushels. Business at Marklane has not been active. A fair amount of firmness was observed during the earlier part of the week, but towards the finish buyers had the advantage. The bulk of the business transacted in wheat has been at the rates current last week. Flour was quiet, without change. Barley has been a firm trade. Malting produce has realised full prices, and grinding has frequently been Is per qr. dearer. Oats were steady throughout, there being a fair demand, and short supplies ; but maize has been dull, and to effect sales less money has been accepted. Beans and peas were" scarce, and still tending agaiust the buyer. At Liverpool the trade has been dull. Wheat 011 Friday was only saleable at a decline of Id. percental, and business was slow at the reduction. Flour was quiet, but fairly steady. Oats were a slow sale, and Indian corn was v,-d per cental lower. In the other leading provincial markets trade has been altogether of a retail character. Wheat has moved off very quietly, and where an> change has been made, it has been to the advantage of the buyer. Flour was about the same in value. Barley was firm, though wanting in animation, and oats were fairly steady. Beans and peas were strong from their scarcity, but maize with a dull sale was drooping in value. —The Magnet, January 20.