COMMERCIAL

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2667, 15 August 1889, Page 2

COMMERCIAL

The ii'iiil-nto Times Office, Wednesday. SYDNEY MARKETS. The \ow Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency report under date, August 2nd : — Wheat (free): We anticipated in our last report an early improvement in the wheat market, and although same is not very pronounced so far, thero is now a somewhat better tone, and wo have been able to make nale.s at prices which were quite unobtainable during the stagnation which wo have referred to in our several latest circulars. Stocks in Sydney are still heavy, but country millers are once more in the market, and we have effected some considerable sales of milling Tuscan at up to 4s per bushel on rail.—Oats (free): Extreme dullness characterises this market. Parcels of inferior and " off" descriptions have lately been quitted at down to as low as 2s 3d. Seed oats are dull at up to 3s 3d Butter (duty Id per lb). A3 anticipated in our last," this market has shown a decided improvement during the past fortnight, but the hardening in values is almost entirely conlined to the best qualities of butter, " second" and " inferior" descriptions remaining in very large supply and extremely difficult to quit. Local Factory is today quoted nt up t.o Is 6d, while best New Zealand Separator is quoted at from lid to Is Id. MELBOURNE MARKETS. The same agency report under date July 31st.— : 6rain: The Budget address has set at rest all speculations as to the course the Ministry would adopt in dealing with the grain duties. Wheat and maize remain unchanged, but after the Ist of December next those on oats and barley will be raised from 2s to 3s per cental. Very properly the Government have decided that it is not the policy of the country to play into the hands of speculators, and the course they have adopted is quite in accordance with our expectations. The wheat market is characterized by a little more demand, but still town millers are obin to meet their immediate wants by purchases in the country, and until this source of supply is exhausted no great change in quotations is likely to occur. Crop prospects continue fair, and if transit arrangements are improved, then farmers this year should have a good season. Wheat: A moderate demand, but still the market cannot bo called active. We sold a fuw lots of inferior up to 5s 2d, and New Zealand at 4s B',-d. Prime is quoted at 5s (id to 5a (ijd. Flour : Fair trade sales are inakine at £11 to £1110s for stone-dressed, and £12 to £13 5s for roller, according to brand. Oats: The market for all feed grains is quieter, and a reaction is looked for. Today's biddings slow — Calcuttas realised 3s lO^d; and fair feed, 4s. We quote stout at 4s Id.