COMMERCIAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15497, 2 January 1914, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

MARKET REPORT. RETAIL TRADE STILL BUSY. Yehy. few changes have taken place: since • last report. Wholesale transactions have been very small indeed, but the retail has continued exceedingly busy right up to closing time. It is very satisfactory that after the unfortunate interruption to business last month there has been such marked activity during the last few weeks that the total turnover is well up to expectations. Produce: Conditions ./snow very little change, and values in most lines remain as last reported. Ample stocks are held in most lines of grain and produce, and numerous transactions have taken place during the week, although the'sates have been chiefly of small dimensions. Potatoes: Stocks remain very heavy indeed, in spite of the good demand, and it has been very difficult to move off the consignments that have arrived. Farmers have been rushing in their supplies on account of the blight being so prevalent, but with the great improvement in the* weather that has lately taken place the potatoes are now. doing better. Quality still varies considerably, and while prime samples are realising £3 10s to £4 ex store, it is very difficult to place .the numerous lots of indifferent grades that are offering. It will probably be found that with the decrease in the effects of the blight farmers will be sending in smaller quantities from now onwards, and this will give the market a chance to recover, especially since the announcement that the total area in potatoes in New Zealand is so very much less than was at first reported. Onions: The new onions have been very slow in ripening on account of the incessant wet weather until last week. However, the last few days have made a marked difference in the appearance of the crops, and a few have been already sent in to market. Oats: There is no change to report. Stocks are ample, and demand is not very heavy. Oatmeal: Demand is very quiet. Wheat: All grades keep 'firm, as it is very probable that on account of the much smaller area in the crop this year importation will have to take place from Australia. Flour: Fairly heavy sales are reported. Maize: On account of the high price of wheat the demand continues very good. The market is much better supplied this week, but all consignments have been readily disposed of. Chaff: The demand is good for the various lots of Southern that have been lately imported. New local will soon be ready, but it is hardly safe to use by itself for some time. Fertilisers: A heavy demand continues for superphosphate. Bonedust is still very scarce, as the Maheno brought none from Sydney, and supplies from that source are urgently required. Cornsacks: Local stocks are rather light, and on account of the late arrival of the Aparima this trip merchants are holding for full, values, as very high prices are asked for forward shipment from Calcutta. Dried Fruits: The local trade is* in a very awkward position on account of the delay in the arrival of the new season's fruit, and although it is now beginning to come through it will not Meet such a good market as if it had arrived at the usual time. . • Currants: ,Mail» advices from London show that the improved demand is likely to lead to an advance in price.. • Valencia Raisins: It is not generally thought that any serious slump will take place this season, as unusually large shipments of rough and damaged fruit are being made to the Continent for winemaking and general distillery purposes. - NEW SOUTH WALES LOAN. ISSUE OF THE PROSPECTUS. .' By Telegr»ph.-~E*eßß Awodation.— London, December 31, The prospectus of the New South Wales £3,000,000 loan, has been issued.' The final instalment of 35' per cent, is payable on March 21. LONDON MARKETS. By Telegraph— Association— (Received January 1, 6 p.m.) London, December 31. WHEAT. The American visible supply is 126,721,000 bushels. SIL7ER. Bar silver is quoted at 2s 29-16 d per standard ounce. PRICES op OIL'S. Linseed oil, £24 15s per ton., Turpentine, 32s per cwt.