GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 86, 12 April 1927, Page 4

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

POTATOES IN SHORT SUPPLY.

OAT MARKET LIVENS UP

Java maize expected

Stocks of potatoes in Auckland are scarce just now, and the Southern consignment brought by the Wingatui, which is now discharging, will be distributed direct from the ship's side for immediate consumption. The next shipment will come by the Waipiata, which will arrive during the Easter holidays. The bulk of the potatoes bought for this market for April delivery will not arrive until the end of the month.. Jn regard to local values, Pukekolie prices are a shade lower as the locals arc being neglected in favour of the Southern. Canterbury values appear to have hardened and forward quotations are considerably in advance of those available a month ago. Though there aie ample potatoes in the Dominion with no prospects of export, it would appear that the tubers wil not come so low as at one time seemed probable. The usual cry of blight is being raised, but there is no satisfactory evidence so far that it anything more than the seasonal gesture of '"bull"' operators. However, it is probably a factor at the moment in firming up prices. Onions. Onions! Onions'. The position in regard to onions fails to improve, and prices are lower than they have been for many years. Pukekohe still has large quantities on hand, and there is every indication that Canterbury will harvest a large crop. With no export outlet in sight, for Australia too is well supplied, the prospects are for continued low values. Wheat. The position in regard to wheat values is somewhat obscure as Southern merchants are still hopeful of securing Government intervention. In the meantime Canterbury millers practically control the position. There are ample supplies locally for immediate requirements and values are unaltered at 7. 6 per bushel wholesale. O-ts Move Up. Contrary to expectations the oats market in the South has suddenly advanced, due to a report that export overseas may be possible. No information is available as to the probable extent of this demand. If It should prove possible to export substantial quantities, the whole situation in regard to domestic values would have to be reviewed. Up till now the j.rices offered to farmers in the South have been obviously unpayable and no one will grudge them an increased return. At the moment Southern brokers have withdrawn quotations for forward delivery. Seed Oats.—Reports from the South are to the effect that the quantities of Algerian oats up to seed standard are not likely to be sufficient for the Dominion's requirements. If this prove correct values will advance for the Australian market from which supplies are frequently drawn is ruling fairly high this season. Chaff. This market h.is firmed up during the past week, and Southern merchants have raised their quotations. They state that farmers are prepared to leave their oats jn stack rather than accept current rates lucre is plenty ot" chaff in Auckland for immediate requirements. but future arrivals will show a higher landed cost. Maize Still Dear. Maize is still in short supply and merchants are looking forward to the arrival of .lava maize with which to supplement the local product. Wholesale Current Prices. Floirr.—New Zealand, £17 10' per ton less 2'/s per cent discount for 2001b sacks of both Jocal and Southern; Australian, Sharps and Bran.—Local sharps, £9 10' per ton; bran. £7 10/ per ton; Australian bran, £10 a/: Australian pollard, £12oat pollard, £8 10/ per ton. Grain.—New Zealand oats, feed. B Gartons. 3/11 per bushel. Wheat: New Zealand, 7/6. Maize: Best quality, ex store. !v3 to B'6 per bushel, ex wharf, 8' Barley: Feed. 5/9 per bushel; Cape seed {/J> P er bushel. Maize meal: 15 6 per ionib. Bailey meal: 13/ per 1001b Chaff.—Blenheim, g.b.0.5.. CI Opcr ton ex-store; Canterbury, £9 10'. Onions.—£6 per ton. Jhaff.—Pukekohe, £S per ton, Canterbury 18 5' to £S 10/ per ton, at Auckland. K P rf"~r? lue - Prussian - No - '• J'- 6 Per bushel; Partridge, Xo. 1. 10/ per bushellower grade, 6d less.