COCKSFOOT IN LONDON.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XXII, Issue 1670, 15 July 1892, Page 2

COCKSFOOT IN LONDON.

To the Editor

Sir,—Perhaps the. following id of interest to your numerous readiw. One of the principle cocksfoot brokers in London wrote us under 28; li Aoril, 1892, as follows :—" As to dale of e-hipnisnt. I coneider seed ebippe-l p , r a tiler so late as September has losi the boat of tbe cnnrket, and I would advise all shippers to ship ranch earlier to arrive bere in August, or not later than September, as usually a large trade ie done in these months and in October, all the important wholesale houses and big retailers buying then the bulk of their stocks for the coining season's requirements. The extent of the American and Continental crops are known, and prices have settled down, nnd there is no occasion for the important buyers to delay purchasing, while the largo retailers buy their stocks then to machine up during the slack season and have all completed before their selling time arrives. Better ptices also I have found could be made than aft«r the turn of the year when supplies are usually seen to be sufficient, or more than sufficient for all requirements and some holders ore showing come anxiety to sell, and, as in this season (when stocks were smaller), asking for bide and taking almost any price that ia offered and thus spoiling the market. Last year I had no difficulty in making 52s and in some cases more than this, for fine seed in June QOi and 62a while in thia month when the sowing demand is on, I have found much difficulty in making 465, while I have heard of a fine parcel being sold on tbe grain market at 4lßi Of late years the German cocksfoot has not interfered to any extent with the New Zealand seed, Germany, as you have heard, buying the Naw Zealand seed from this country. France, however, sometimes produces considerable quantities of seed, which may come in at a low figure to help to fill up buyere. The quality, however, is usually foul. Ameiica is the competitor most to be feared, and in the past two seasons, when New Zealand seed was poarco and at high figures, America came in to fill up buyers, and thus kept prices down. I doubt, however, if fine New Zealand seed could be sold here at about 40e, if it would pay the Americans to compete. It ie only when New Zealand eeed is at 50a or above that America fille up our buyere. Seed leaving New Zealand in March is too late for our spring sowing, as it could not be landed and available until the third or fourth week in April, when the season is over. The quality most readily saleable here is heavy clean eeed, 181b lo tbe buahut, but light Neod can also ho eoi:? at a price, if of good color. Tlk're i* a prejudice Bgainet cUrk seed, even if the growth is known to be good, Bright feed, therefore, should 'bo Helocted °for atiipment bore, Prices

vary 10s* to 15s per owt, according to the weight per bushel and cleanneaa. Prospects for the coming season are very good, as stocks held over are smaller than usual ; but, ns it ia reported that the New Zealand crop is abundant, esperiilly from the North Island, I do not look forward to the high prices we have had the last two ye are. The reduced quotations now are 44a to 46s for fine seed, but holders wanting to clear nre asking for bids upon these figures. I understand New Zealand ia offering direct 181b seed at 45s per cwt, c.i.f. Arrivals. Basra Sept. Oct. Jan. April 1887-8 about 13 000 52s 54s 52s 48« 1888 9 „ 40,000 43s6<i 43s 36s 32e6d 1889 90 „ 23 000 44s 42s 40s 40s 1890 91 „ 9,000 64a 54s 6d 62s 62e 1891-92 ~ 13 000 56a 52s 55s 50a In April of this year, prices declining— 48', 46s 6d, 44s and less."—Yours, &0.. MORITZSON & HOPKLN.