GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 108, 10 May 1927, Page 4

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

PLENTY OF POTATOES. MARKET FAVOURS BUYERS. JAVA MAIZE DUE SHORTLY. OATS AND CHAFF FIRMER. Owing to the arrival of large quantities of Southern potatoes recently the local market is weak. However, as soon as present accumulations have been decreased values will probably harden up again. Southern quotations for forward delivery ;ire higher than they were, but merchants «lo_ not expect that potatoes will rule high this coming winter, as the supplies available should be more than ample for the Dominion's requirements. So far the quality of arrivals at this, port has been first-class. Any diseased lines have been from Dtmedin, in consequence of which local dealers are placing their orders for shipment from Timaru or Lyttelton. Onion Market Dead. There is nothing fresti to report concerning the onion market, which is still overHupplied with Pukekolic produce. This is now being sold at much below cost of production. The position is very unfortunate for the growers. The Southern crop is larger than last year, but practically none of it has come to this centre. Maize Still Dear. The maize market is exceptionally firm. However, some relief will be experienced when a cargo of Java maize arrives about May 23. The whole of this has been sold for immediate distribution from the ship's side at about 7/6 per bushel. When this has gone into consumption the line is likely to be again very short, as the winter demand will be large, and the new season's crop will not be available for another two months. Wheat Firms Up. The wheat market is much firmer, although no announcement has been made by the Government with regard to the agreement entered into between Southern growers and millers. It is reported that large sales have been made in Canterbury on the basis of 5/6 per bushel f.0.b., which ia equal to 6/ if the sale is left until the close of the season. In view of the firm position of the Australian market, it will not be profitable to purchase from that source with the added costs of freight and duty to be considered. The local price is likely, therefore, to follow closely Southern values. The quality of this season's wheat has, so far, proved very satisfactory. Chaff. This market also tends to firmness. Although the quantities available are larger than they were at this time last year, growers are holding strongly, and many are not prepared to accept current rates. Blenheim agents have been able to sell all they have had to offer without troubling this market, which has consequently been drawing the bulk of its supplies from Canterbury. The chaff from this latter province is particularly good this year, and quite up to the Blenheim standard. With oats, as with chaff, the Canterbury farmer has succeeded in giving practical effect to his disinclination to accept the very low rates that were offered early in the season. They have been assisted in this regard by an export development. London business has been talked of for gome time, and it now appears that wit' lowered freight* having been made available, Southern dealers are able to offer up to 3/3 per bushel for A grade. This has firmed up the market, and forward quotations have been withdrawn. Wholesale Current Prices. Sharps and Bran.—Local sharps, £9 10/ per ton; bran, £7 10/ per ton; oat pollard, £8 10/ per ton. Grain.—New Zealand oats, feed, B Gartons, 4/; A's, 4/6 per bushel. Wheat:. New Zealand, 7/9. Maize: Best quality, ex store, S/9 per bushel. Barley: Feed, 5/9 per bushel: Cape seed, 7/6 per bushel. Maize meal, 16/6 per 1001b. Barley meal: 13/ per 1001b. Chaff.—Blenheim, g.b.0.5., £9 per ton, fez store; Canterbury, £»• Potatoes.—Southern, £7 per ton. Onions.—£6 per ton. Peas.—Blue Prussian, No. 1, 12/6 per bushel; Partridge, No. 1, 10/ per bushel; lower grade, 6d less.