GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 201, 26 August 1939, Page 4

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

POTATO MARKET WEAKER.

SHIPMENTS FROM AMERICA

ONION SUPPLIES

Interest has centred in potatoes and onions on the Auckland crain and produce markets this week. With imports of Cahfornian potatoes due by the Mariposa on September 1, and a larger shipment bv the Aorangi, Southern prices have at last shown signs of weakening from the record 11*1 W .J? ha i"r recont, - v b een maintained. Although the Mariposa is to Iving otily a small quantity, some thousands of bags and crates are to arriva on September 17 bv the Aorangi. In consequence growers and other holders of stocks are unloading on to the market, quantities available being greater than was commonly supposed The threat of competition from imported potatoes is havine the effect of bringing to light supplies that buyers previously did not know existed As for onions, the Internal Marketing JJn lsion has gained complete control of the market by purchasing all the stocks at Pukekohe. Auckland's only supplies at present are Japanese onions, which are being repacked before release from the stores. However, the shipping company advises that the Limerick, due here on September 4, has a large cargo of Calitor man onions on board, and further supplies from America and Canada are * H , ow supplies P £ ce - S . de , pends on the Internal ihem e for g sa?e. VlSlOn " P ° liCy in relea *'^ Keen Demand For Bran. ( ,f too ,h of . f o^' l wheat held in store by the \\ heat Committee are now being drawn on at fixed periods each month" and the next such delivery will be made from September 8 to September 15. Ihere is not much interest at present in maize, regular deliveries coming to hand from Gisborne and the market being well supplied. ITie barley market shows no change, and stocks in store are being drawn on as in the case of wheat. The next delivery will be from September 14 to September Australian bran and pollard are in good demand, especially bran, as farmers are still short of feed and are forced to draw more heavily on auxiliary fodders than for a number of years. Seeds and Manures. It is rather icarly to forecast the probable demand for seeds for spring sowing but demand is expected to set in as soon as rrl weather becomes a little warmer. | Ihere is considerable activity at present | m connection with manures for the ; autumn months and merchants are offering basic slag and North Afrieatt phosphate to arrive early in 1040. subject to sterling funds being available. POSITION IN CHRISTCHURCH. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. The local potato market is still quiet, with quotations, which are largely nominal, again easier on those ruling earlier in the week. Quotations in the city yesterday varied up to £16 a ton on trucks, but the maximum price mentioned bv most merchants was £15.

It is reported locally that the first shipment to be brought into New Zea'ind this season, landing at Auckland on September 1. will consist of 60 tons, of which 20 tons have been purchased by a Christchurch merchant. A further' 1000 tone have been booked to land at Auckland on September 19. with other shipments ot 120 tons landing on September 29 and 200 tons on October 16.

Business in chaff is still very small, with quotations at £4 on trucks'