COMMERCIAL.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8793, 14 May 1894, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE. The course of the local market has varied but slightly during the past four weeks. Abroad the only change has been for the worse, and so far as can be seen by the most experienced of grain traders the possibilities of a revival in values is just as distant as ever, bat there is always the consolation that it is the unexpected that happens. No finer or more ssison&ble weather for farm work could have been desired than that of the petiod under review, but unfortunately present conditions do not tempt agriculturists to extend their operations in tbe way of grain growing, so that the acreage being prepared for winter wheat is certain to be a diminished one.

Wheat—The publication of the Government statistics has given rise to the impression that New Zealand has this season grown barely if not enough wheat for her own anuual requirements, and although the opinion is not general old wheats, especially hard winter grades, have advanced to figures quite beyond the parity of those current, in foreign countries. Lines of new season's also snow some improvement, but as millers aver that they have large stocks it is difficult to see how a further advance can take place unless outside markets show a healthier tone. Oats have not changed one way or the other, aa offerings are few and buyers continue apathetic. Tartarian oats have once more come into favour and have been taken up for seeding purposes. Baklkv —Both in regard to. yield and quality barley has been somewhat disappointing, still those who were lucky enough to secure their cropa have had reason to be thankful. Potatoes—Since the opening of the market values have steadily declined, partly from doubt as to condition, but mainly owing to the lack of outside enquiry. Several speculative purchases have been made, but none of any consequence have transpired. Beans and Peas—The former have been offered very freely, and fair-sized parcels were . taken up for shipment. Latterly, however, advices Irom London have been discouraging, and most of the buyers have withdrawn from the market. Grass Seeds—We are now in the dead season, and naturally business has ruled quiet. Stocks of Canterbury grown ryegrass are in narrow compass, whilst it is thought that we have scarcely sufficient cocksfoot for our usual requirements. Dairy Produce—The season has been a disappointing one, and the returns from recent Home shipments of butter are not satisfactory. Prices, however, remain at about much the same level. Stocks of cheese are lighter than usual, and quotations are well maintained. The following are the quotations of the day:— "Wnaat—O?d .. .. 23 6d to 2a 7d Tuscan (new) .. 2s Iα to 2s 3d Pearl do. .. 2a to 2a 2d Hunter's do. .. 2s to &Id Cnick .. .. Is 9d to as Oats—Milling .. .. la 5J to la 61 Inferior and discoloured .. .. Is 2d to 13 3d Duns, do .. .. Is id to 13 5d Barley—Prime malting .. 3a 9d Medium .. .. 3a to 33 6d JFeed .. .. Is 10d to 2s Beans 2s 3d to 2a 6d Poaa—Blue Prussians .. 2-j Cd Feed .. .. 2a 3d to 2* 41 Potatoes fatHcountry stations)— Blue derwents .. 253 to 27s 6d Soede— Ryegrass midline dressed, heavy _ 3s 9d to is Rjrefrrass. Italian .. 4s to 4s 3d Cocksfoot— Bright (scarce) .. id .Interior aud discoloured .. 2dto3}d Cawgrasa .. 6Jdto7d Flour. In sacks (roller) .. «7 Oatmeal £10 Bran .. .. .. *2ioj Pollard .. _ .. £3 Butter—Prims Factory made .. .. Bdto 9A Dairy -- <dtoßd Cheese .. .. .. 4d tool Hams and bacon .. ..81 These quotations represent the net value to farmers free of brokerage or commission, and i.o.b. Lyttelton.