GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Press, Volume XXXI, Issue 4264, 29 March 1879, Page 4

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Since our last report tin markets have been mark— with considerable fluctuations in prices. On &tur-ay last, a very spirited competition —as shown by buyers ef wheat, of which farmers took the f—lest adv-afcagc, and effected eon-aid—•--—__s at fro-—Ss 3d to Ss sd, according to qasliiy. It was f ally expected that the great caution which has marked all tr—isactions this B_se_t was going to be thrown aside, and that the freedom of former seasons was going to be the rule; bat uxrisrtanately the London telegram of the 2_- March, advising a fall of Is per quarter there, caused quite a change in buyers* iieas, and they at ones dropped back to their previa— rates. Pi ices have sis > simSarfy declined is the Australian markets. We quote fair average quality wheat at 3a to 3s 2d, and good well filled grain at 3s 3d to 3s 4Jd, the former for milling sad the latter for seed samples. Advices from Sydney, by the T——ua, ad rise that the grain buyers and sellers there hare-greed that infature all grain wOl be parchased and sold bags included, the bags being weighed as grain. This ia following the example m* by Melbourne grain merchants a few years ago; sad certainly cannot be coosidsred to in say way benefit the seller. Indeed, in nine c-esse_tof tenthe grain doa not sell at a pro-

portionate-y higher rate, on ao—not of the sacks not being charged for. At the same time as th* above was derided upon, it was also arranged th»t a bushel of maize should be 561b. in future. _ the Sydney people had Just adopted the cent— system for their maize standard they would have been acting in harmony with the movement now on foot in England to make the cental the standard weight for »11 grain transactions. Some bnsiness has been done in flour da-ins the week for export, at £3 to £8 ss, but there is not that active demand that millers like. Oats do not show any sign of improvement. The export business is quiet, and for local wants there ia more than enough offering. Sales have been made during tho week at 2s 6d to 2s 8s for feeding kinds, and 2s 9d to 2_ lOd for muling sorts. We are informed that several large lines from the Southern portion of the province hare found their way to town and port stores. Barley continues without much alteration. Buyers are giving from Ss to 5s Cd, according to sample. The parcel of Californian referred to in hist week's report, was withdrawn from this market, as a satisfactory offer could not be obtained for it. Grass seed does now show any sign of improvement, and bnyerß are very shy It is Well knewn that stocks are not excessive, and on thi* soconnt it is hard to account for the disinclination to operate. Possibly the depressed state of the wool market during the last two years may have something to do with the matter. Butter ia again duller, and has been offering very freely, in lines, during the week. ~We have heard of several transactions at 9d to 10d, f.o.b , being carried through. Cheese remains as last quoted, at 6d. The export demand is very poor. Hams and bacon are in better demand. Stocks are exceedingly lig'-t, and wBl not do more than meet the new cure. No change in prices is reported, and we repeat previous quotations ofßd.