GRAIN, SEEDS, PRODUCE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29270, 30 July 1960, Page 16

GRAIN, SEEDS, PRODUCE

White Clover Dearer White clover values have shown a further firming, the second in a fortnight, and in the last week lifted by 2d per lb to 4s 6d for mother 99/90 quality. Prices to the grower last year at this time were up to 2s lOd per lb. Perennial ryegrass has alsd firmed after remaining relatively static for the season to date, and this week’s quotation of 24s 3d a bushel is well above last year’s comparable figure of 21s 6d for mother perennial. Merchants said yesterday that there had been more business done with the United Kingdom in white clover in the last week although there was buyer resistance, but the amount of ryegrass traded was not extensive. Australian business had been negligible. Other varieties have shown little change, except Montgomery red clover which some merchants said had shown a tendency to weaken slightly. In the potato market values have tended to be easier, and sales hard to make. Auckland is reported to be glutted with supplies sufficient for several weeks and Wellington appears to have sufficient stocks at present. Some small consignments have been sold to the smaller North Island ports. Prices to Growers The following prices were announced yesterday by the president of the Canterbury Grain, Seed and Produce Merchants’ Association (Mr W. J. Bews): — Ryegrass.—Mother perennial, 24s 3d per bushel; p.p., 23s 9d; uncertified, 17s 6d; mother H.l, 28s; standard, 275. White Clover.—Mother 99/90, 4s 6d per lb; p.p., 4s 4d; mother 98/90, 4s sd; p.p., 4s 3d. Cowgrass.—Certified, 2s 6d per lb; uncertified, 2s 3d. Browntop.—Certified, 4s per lb; uncertified, 3s 9d. Montgomery Red Clover. —Certified, 3s 9d per lb; uncertified, 2s 9d. In announcing these prices Mr Bews said that they were those which could be justified by trading conditions, and did not take into account day-to-day fluctuations of a speculative nature.

J. J. McCaskey Year. —Consolidated net profit of J. J. McCaskey and Son, Ltd., Wellington, for the year to March 31, 1960, was £12,003, against £ll,BBl the previous year. The result is reached after provision of £7107 (£6467) for depreciation and £6025 (£440) for tax. A tax adjustment increases the amount available by £lOB. Preference dividend of 5 per cent, takes £5OOO, and ordinary dividend of 5 per cent. £4013.—(P. A.)