GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 139, 14 June 1932, Page 4

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

POTATOES ARE FIRM. ONIONS SCARCE AND DEAR. There have been no notable changes in the local grain and produce markets since last report. Potatoes are quite firm, and next week's quotations are likely to rule at not less than £9 per ton. The quality is mixed, some lines opening up in indifferent condition. Orders for seed have been sent South, but it is too early yet to give any idea of the requirements from this centre. Southern quotations are considered to be reasonable. The Pukekolie district will be largely independent of outside supplies. Onions. Onions are becoming scarcer day by day. Canterbury has no surplus to offer except at prices that are prohibitive, and the few holders in Pukekohe arc able to command high figures. The shortage is likely to continue until well into July, when the first of Japan new season's is expected to arrive, via Sydney. Wheat. The wheat market remains very steady with merchants quoting 6/4 to 6/5 a bushel through store. Maize. Business in maize is virtually confined to South African, although a few early crops from the Bay of Plenty are being marketed. This is a full month earlier than usual. Crushed maize is still selling relatively cheaper than whole, this being due to the anomalous position whereby the grain that has been crushed abroad comes in duty free, while whole grain pays a duty of 2/ per cental. Oats and Chaff. Both oats and chaff are unchanged. Trade is restricted in both lines, with B Gartons selling at 4/5 per bushel, and chaff at £8 15/ per ton. Bran and Pollard. There is still a fair trade in Australian pollard, but bran is dull of sale, even at the lower prices now quoted. Fertilisers. During the latter part of May and this month there has been a steady demand for late autumn topdressing, the chief requirement being for high-grade super, basic super and ammoniated super. Weather conditions throughout the autumn have been satisfactory, resulting in increased production during that period. Farmers who topdress this month and July with quickly acting fertilisers will be assured of early spring growth during July and August. The extension of the super subsidy assures to farmers low prices for a further period, which will be of large assistance to them in keeping up production. Wholesale Current Prices. (Through store.) Pollard and Bran.—Mill prices: Pollard, £6 per ton; bran, £5 per ton. Merchants' prices: Australian pollard, £6 10/ to £6 15/ per ton; bran, £5 15/. 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. —African, 6/7 to 6/8; crushcd, 5/3 per bushel (501b). Barley.—Feed: Clipped, 4/6 per bushel. Seed: Cape, 6/ per bushel. Maize Meal. —10/ per 1001b. Barley Meal.—9/ per 1001b. Chaff—G.b.o.s., £8 15/ per ton, Blenheim or Canterbury. Potatoes. —Table: Southern, £8 10/ to £9 per ton. Onions.—Local, 19/ to 20/ per cwt.