GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Press, Volume XXXI, Issue 4342, 30 June 1879, Page 2

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

There is but little alteration in the grain market to report this week. In wheat we note a slightly easier feeling on the part of bujers, which is however confined to them, as sellers are most firm in their demands knowing as they do that stocks are well reduced. For good clean milling samples ttere are buyers at last week's quotations—say 3s 7d, and at 3s 5d for fair samples. We notice with regret thit the English market keers languid, at unsatisfactory prices. In Melbourne the scare occasioned by the publication of the agricultural statistics is now working off, and quotations are considerably lower; a somewhat similar feeling also manifests itself in Sydney. Flour has not been in very active demand, still small orders are coming to hand at tha advanced price. No doubt when stocks are a little more reduced in importing markets ; a lictter inquiry will spring up. Oats continue without any improvement, so far as the export trade is concerned, but a slightly better business is doing for local wants. We have been informed, on what we believe to be reliable authority, that sales of New Zealand oats have been made in Sydney at 2s Id. We do not know from what port of the colony they have been sent; but it is very certain that some one must have made a heavy loss. This is in very strong contrast with the telegrams sent from that city not long ago, stating that an excellent demand existed for New Zealand oats at a much more satisfactory figure. Barley has not experienced any improvement during the week—in fact, we have not heard of any business being carried through. We therefore repeat last week's quotation of 53 for best simples. In grass seed we have no business to report, but the season is close at hand when a demand should set in. The position in the potato market remains unchanged. Buyers and sellers cannot manage to draw a line at which b >th interests could do business, and the result is that but little business has been done. A few small sales are reported at .£3 5s to £3 10s, but growers generally will not entertain such values. It would appear that the state of this market is very similar to that of Warnambool, judging from the following extract from the " "Waraambool Standard" of the 10th instant:—" The price offering for potatoes yeateraay was .£4 per ton. At this figure several buyers decl ; ne to operate and on the other hand holders appear careless of transacting business at the price, a still further advance being anticipated by them. The quantities passing through the stores now are very small." Butter continuesin small supply, yet jost sufficient to meet the demand. Sales are reported at 93. to lOd. Cheese is slightly easier in value, and sales have been effected at s£d to s£d. Hams and bacon are in fair demand at last quotations.