CORN EXCHANGE.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7265, 26 January 1889, Page 6

CORN EXCHANGE.

Corn Exchange report for week ending Friday, January 25th, 1889:— Most perfect harvest weather continues, and farmers are all well prepared to carry through the harvest work expeditiously so soon as it becomes ready for the reaper. One and all admit that the harvest promises to be better than it has been for years, and there is considerable competition among operators to find the best and most profitable outlets for our various surplus. The quality of the new oats which have been exhibited is above the average, especially as regards color. Barley—Unthrashed samples are plump and bright, and should be good malting if well harvested and threshed. Freights are difficult to obtain, and full rates are obtainable both to Australia and London. We do not expect to see them much lower during the season. Wheat—A few lines of old wheat have been under negotiation during the week, and sales have been effected at 5s 6d to 3s 9d, according to class and quality, Tuscan, when prime, commanding the latter figure. Hunter's and Pearl are quiet at 3s 6d to 3s 7d. Second quality is chiefly taken for whole chicken wheat at 3s to 3s 4d, and broken at 2s 6d to 2s 10d. Oats—Considerable sales have been made during the past day or so, and as a contrast of prices, sales at this time last year were made at from Is 4d to Is 6d, and-* similar sample of 5000 bushels has been sold to-day at 2s 7d, which may be said to be the average value for the week. Barley—A few lines of rubbed out samples has been exhibited, but as yet we have heard of no business transpiring, sellers demanding more money than speculators are prepared to give. We shall not expect to see much business take place in this cereal for a week or so. Beans are wanted at 3s 3d, and blue peas have changed bands at 3s to 3s 3d, but the quality is not first class. Grass Seed— Ryegrass has firmed, and farmers' parcels have changed hands at up to 2s 9d, while machine dressed is held for 3s 6d. Cocksfoot is without business, and is nominally 3d to 3£d. Butter—The Ruapehu takes a large quantity of butter, which has somewhat relieved: the market. Buyers are shy on account of its now becoming risky for the London market. Prices for prime quality from 6d. The weather is against the condition.

Cheese—Prices from 4d to 4£d for large, od small.

The above prices are those paid to farmers for delivery f.0.b., Lyttelton.