GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Press, Issue XLI, 25 February 1885, Page 7

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

The weather during the past four weeks has, on the whole, been very favorable for the ingathering of the crops, and already a considerable area has been cut. At the time of writing, however, heavy rain is falling, and harvesting operations are suspended, but there is every indication that the weather will soon break, and allow them to be renewed. . Wheat—There have been but few transactions in this cereal lately. In the early part of the month 3s to 3s 2d were the current rates for sound samples of old season's pearl and Hunter's white, but as a small portion of the new crop is now offering, prices have receded to about 2b 9d, f.o.b. This quotation, however, cannot be relied upon, as everything depends upon the condition of the grain, and buyers will not operate freely until every doubt is removed from their minds on this point. Oats are now offering very largely, and the quality, we are glad to report, is far superior to that of last season. Prices have opened at Is 7d to Is 9d f.0.b., and numer-. ous sales have been made at these rates during the week for immediate delivery, as stocks of the old crop had grown very low. Barley—Samples of the new season's grain are now in the market, but few sales have yet transpired, buyers and sellers ideas being apart as to prices, the former considering that 3s 9d is the full value, while the latter are holding out for higher figures. Grass Seed—There is a good demand for rye grass at 2s fid to 2s 9d for farmers' parcels. Samples of this seed are Badly marred by the presence of ergot, sorrel, wire grass, Ac, in unusual quantities, which accounts for the disparity between the prices given for farmers and machine dressed lines, the latter being quoted as high as 4s. The major portion of the cocksfoot crop has already been saved, but it is not yet fairly in the market. Buyers are offering Bd, while sellers are standing Outfor3£d.

Dairy Produce—Butter is in good supply, and as the demand is at the moment somewhat weak, stocks are accumulating, 7d to 7Jd are current rates. Cheese is dormant at 4d to 4£d. Hams and bacon are inquired for at 9id covered.