GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 115, 17 May 1932, Page 4

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

CANTERBURY POTATOES

POULTRY FEED DEAR-

Pukekolie potatoes are virtually finished for the present season, and from now on local merchants will be chiefly dependent upon supplies from the South Island. Unfortunately there appears to have been more blight than usual amongst . the Southern crop and the quality of arrivals has been unsatisfactory in some cases. lhe extension of the local season in recent years has made a big difference to the Southern market, as will be understood by the following table showing the comparative shipments from Lyttelton in the last four years to the dates mentioned:— Sacks. ]029 May 4 154,154 J <130 May 3 71,801) ]!131 May 2 34,433 1032 May 7 18,714 Onions. Any onions left in the Pukekolie district arc in the hands of growers and are firm y held, and local merchants arc now mainly interested in supplies from Canterbury, which they can sell at a lower rate. However, the Southern market has just advanced 10/ a ton, and this rise will be reilected locally. , , , , There is very indication that the local onion market will bo short of supplies during the winter months. The earliest of new season's crops will come from | Japan, to arrive here in September, and these are being quoted at 19/ per cwt cratc. Oats and Chaff. There has been no change in the markets for oats and chalf since last repoit. 11 Gartons are still selling at 4/3 per bushel, and chaff at £8 10/ per ton. Of the position in the South the "Otago Daily Times" says:— "The greater portion of the oat crops has now been threshed, but there is not a great quantity of oats on offer. On the other hand, the demand has fallen off, and there is a noticeable lack of inquiry for shipment, and also from millers. Canterbury merchants are not buying to the same extent, and it is apparent that operators have sufficient supplies in the meantime. The market can be described as slightly weaker, with some holders quoting at lower figures than those ruling previously. There is not a great quantity of A Gartons held locally, and 3/8, f.0.b., s.i., is the price being asked for these, lis are on offer at 3/4, f.0.b., s.i., with undergrade at lower prices, according to quality. "The quality of the oats this season has been rather mixed. This is accounted for by the broken weather affecting the crops, and it is thought that A'e will be in short supply. On the other hand, there will be more "feed oats available than usual, especially in Otago and Southland."

Wheat. Wheat is still selling at 6/4 to 6/5 petbushel, but an increase is expected shortly as Southern imcrchants have advanced their quotations 2d per bushel. The position is causing local dealers some concern as they are wondering where the-advance will stop, and the rates now asked have the effect of checking consumption. It is reported from the South that the Government have stated their intention not to interfere with the duties at present in force, but the local association has not as yet received any advice to this effect. Maize. Local maize is virtually cleaned up and with none available from the Poverty Bay district merchants are dependent upon Java maize, which has just conic to hand, and South African, which is to follow. The Java consignment is of excellent quality, but unfortunately the shipment was infected with wevil, and in some cases fumigation has been nccessary. Pollard and Bran. There is no change in the market for pollard and bran. Australian pollard is still selling readily at £6 10/ to £0 15/ per ton, but bran is still dull of sale. Wholesale Current Prices. (Through store.)

Pollard and Bran.—Mill prices: Pollard. £6 per ton; bran, £5 10/ per ton. Merchants' prices: Australian pollard, £6 10 to £G 15/ per ton; bran, £6. Oats.—Feed: B Gartons, 4/5 per bushel, A Gartons 4/8, clipped Duns 5/, clipped Algerians, Australian, 5/, New Zealand, 5/9; clipped Gartons, 4/9. Fowl Wheat—6/4 to 6/5 per bushel.

Maize.—Java, 6/8 to 6/9 (plus fumigation charges); crushed, 5/6 per bushel (501b). Barley.—Feed: Clipped, 4/6 per bushel. Seed: Cape, 6/ per bushel. Maize Meal. —11/ per 1001b.

Barley Meal.—9/ per 1001b. Chaff. —G.b.0.5., £8 10/ per ton, Blenheim or Canterbury. Potatoes. —Table, Southern, £7 10/ to £7 15/ per ton. Onions. —Local, 12/ to 12/6 per cwt; Canterbury, 11/.