GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 36, 12 February 1929, Page 4

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

MOST MARKETS STEADY. LOWER RATES IN VIEW;f WHEAT PROSPECTS. There have been few alterations in the local grain and produce market since last report, but a lower level of values is expected shortly. Latest reports from the South show a definite weakness in most lines, which should be cheaper when the new harvest becomes available. Potatoes are still in very plentiful supply locally. A fair proportion shows signs of rust, and these tubers are being disposed of at very low rates, but reliable quality still commands £8 per ton, ex store. The Southern quote for forward delivery has eased, indicating that satisfactory supplies are in sight. Onions. There are ample supplies of well-grown local onions to satisfy the requirements of this centre for some time to come. Quotations are unaltered at 9/6 per cwt. In Canterbury the market, which was very firm a few weeks back, is now quiet. The first of the main crop will probably be received about the end of the month. Wheat. The wheat market continues stable at 7/9 per bushel, ex store. However, there may be a reduction before long. The Southern position is distinctly weak, and latest quotations are one penny cheaper. Poultry keepers are becoming restive under the adverse conditions, which affect their industry, and it is quite likely the new Government may be asked to revise the wheat duties. Of the position in the South the Lyttelton "Times" reports as follow:— "Fair quantities of new season's produce are now beginning to come forward to the market, but not much business is being done. The position with regard to wheat remains unchanged. Millers are not buying to any extent, and any new season's lines that are passing into their hands were probably bought forward several months ago. So far not a great deal of new wheat has come on to the market. "It is reported that the Wheat Pool offer to sell new season's wheat on a basis of 6/2 a bushel f.o.b. Lyttelton. After allowing for charges, including brokerage and Id a bushel to the pool, this works out at about 5/8 a bushel on trucks at country stations. This is approximately the market price of Tuscan, but there are few buyers. Second grade milling wheat is worth 5/4 to 5/5 a bushel on trucks, Hunters 5/11. Pearl 6/5, and fowl wheat 5/2. Of course, these prices are somewhat nominal owing to the small amount of business that has been done in wheat so far this season." Maize. The maize market continues very steady, demand being somewhat limited during the warm weather. Ample supplies are available from the Bay of Plenty and from Gisborne. Oats and Chaff. The local price of B Gartons is steady at 4/8 to 4/8 per buehel, ex store, but the Southern market is very weak, and lower rates are expected shortly. Already a reduction of Id per bushel, in the f.o.b. price has been announced. In the absence of xport inquiries prices will probably go lower still.

Chaff is still firm for immediate delivery due no doubt to the fact that Southern farmers are too busy with other harvest operations to Jtake in the chaff cutter. Bran and Pollard. Both these lines are selling at unchanged rates. Grass Seeds. Cocksfoot has eased in the South from 13d to 13% d per lb to 1/. Even at the lower figure inquiries from this end are likely to be limited, as Danish can be landed at 66/ per cwt, and the foreign line has become very popular. Ryegrass appears to be very firm, and from 5/6 to 6/ per lb is being asked for machine dressed seed. It is understood that a large portion of the Southern crop was damaged by stormy weather. Wholesale Current Prices. Sharps and Bran.—Mill prices: Sharps, £9 10/ per ton; bran, £8 per ton. Merchants' quotations, ex store,' Southern and Australian. Pollard, £10 10/; bran,, £8 10/; oats, feed, B Gartens, 4/8 to 4/9; A Gartons, 5/ per bushel; clipped Dunns, 5/9; clipped Gartons, 5/6; seed Algerians, 6/; fowl wheat, 7/9 per bushel; maize, 6/6 ex store; barley, feed, 5/9 per bushel; Cape barley, seed, 6/6 per bushel; maize meal, 14/ per 1001b; barley meal, 13/ per Chaff.—G.b.o.s., £9 15/ per ton, Blenheim or Canterbury. Potatoes. — £8 per ton ex store; £7 on trucks, Pukekohe. Onions.—£9 10/ per ton, ex store; £7 to £7 10/ on trucks, Pukekohe.