GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8483, 15 May 1893, Page 3

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

The past four weeks have been anything but satisfactory to traders, as our local prices for the most part are beyond the parity of those current in outside markets, consequently the transactions that have taken place have beeu purely for local aud interprovincial requirements, there being positively no foreign demand for our products. Business with Australia has shrunk into dwarfish proportions, aud whilst the present financial convulsions lust it may perhaps turn out to be for the best. Towards the middle of last month rain set iv arid fell almost continuously for three weeks, bringing field operations to a standstill, and committing sad havoc with the crop of clover seeds. The weather, however, is again flue, and is enabling potato growers to get their produce to market. Wheat. —Locally prices have considerably improved since we last wrote, and there is every prospect of the advance being maintained. The prices ruling at Home do not warrant what i 3 now being given, but local wants must be satisfied, and holders appear confident that they will yet be able to forco the market higher. There are, therefore, few shipments going forward to Europe except for actual commitments, and as present prospects there are anything but inviting, it is very probable that a good many farmers who have stored so long will either accept the present?' improved rates or hold on a little longer in the hope of obtaining a still better price. Oats.—The anticipations of many that oats would improve as the season progressed have not so far been realised. From Australia there has been really no demand, and were it not for a few shippers purchasing prime lines of milling for Home shipment there would have been no movement outside the ordinary demand for local consumption. Barley.—Prime lines of malting have been conspicuous by their absence this season, and medium grades have therefore met with better attention. The market closes fairly firm this quality, but maltsters now show signs of having satisfied their wants.

Potatoes.—Tbe market opened firm at 30s, and stimulated by a demand from the North Island prices advanced to 355. Within the last f ew days, however, a weaker feeling has been noticeable, and buyers are not disposed to operate further at late rates. The position of the market at the moment is not a strong one as there is little or no enquiry from Sydney, and it is patent that the requirements of our Northern neigh_ours can soon be filled. Grass SKEDS.--The lull which takes place between spring and autumn sowing leaves little to be said on tbe subject of ryegrass and cocksfoot, and, therefore, there is nothing calling for special comment. As already noted, the clover seed crops were overtaken by the rain with disastrous results, and it is earnestly to be hoped that farmers, in their own interests, will not endeavour to market seed that has suffered from the weather, as it must be evident that the consequences must ultimately recoil ou themselves.

Beans and Peas.—-The former are now offering pretty freely, but are not meeting with much favour. Pe>ts are also offering, bpt prices are against sellers.

Dairy Prodcce.—The enquiry for butter is much weaker, and values are easier. Cheese also commands little attention. The following are the quotations of the day:— Wheat—Tuscan (now) .. 2s 9d to2s 101 Pearl „ .. 2s Sd to 2s Sd Hunter's ~ .. 2s 7d to 2s 8d Chick wheat (whole) .. Is 94 to 2s Do. (broken) .. la 6d to Is lOd Oats-Milling .. .. ls&ltolslui Dol—Stout short feed .. Is 7d Is 9d Do. —Inferior ordinary teed 13 6d to 1h 7d Do.—Duns.. .. Is Td to Is 9d Barley—Prime malting .. 3a 61 to 4i Medium .. 3a to 3a 6d Feed .. .. Is9dtoil Beans .. 2a 9d Peas—Blue Prussiaus .. 3s Sd Feed .. .. _tto2a6d Potatoes (an country stations)— Blue derwents .. 32a 6d to 353 Seeds—Ryegrass m-iohlae dressed, heavy .. 4s to 4s 3d Ryegrass. Italian .. 4s to is 3d CocksfootBeat bright heavy 3d to 311 Inferior and discoloured .. nominal Flour, in sacks (roller) .. £S Flour (stone) .. .. £7103 Oatmeal .. .. .. £8105 Pe:irl barley .. .. £20 Bran __10s P-illard .. _ .. £3 Butter—Prime frcah .. 7d to B<\ Cheese .. .. 3dto4Ji Hams and bacon—Bare .. 7id in cloth :n Prices for the above aro f.o.u. at Lystslton.