Grain And Seeds Overseas Seed Market At Present Inactive

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30152, 8 June 1963, Page 16

Grain And Seeds Overseas Seed Market At Present Inactive

The overseas market for small seeds is a-t present inactive, with only a very odd inquiry being made on the United Kingdom market at the same level, as current quotations. However, the English market could still show an interest in white clover at the current rates, although there has not been a great inquiry New Zealand’s heavy harvest has contributed tn the quiet state of the market at present, and the English market at present is awaiting its own harvest. Potato Trade Merchants reported yesterday that there had been a fractional increase in the price of some varieties of potatoes to the growers. At present Suttons and Chip pewa are bringing £l9 a ton, rising from about £lB l(te last week, while Ilsm Hardy and Sebago have firmed slightly at £l7, from between £l6 10s and £l7 a ton last week. Other white varieties

have remained steady at £l6 on last week’s quotations. The slight increase could be accounted for because merchants now felt slightly more confident of keeping a steady supply. The potato trade is very sensitive to price fluctuation, and it is probably a good sign that the season has begun quietly but steadily.

The North Island demand is becoming srteady as the end of the local North Island season is reached. This month the North Island demand starts in earnest, with only a small demand being required during April and May.

: This has been the trend ; during the last three or four seasons, and it appears it ’ could continue. More potatoes are being grown and the : North Island season is ! lengthening. Early -crops are [ being grown earlier and the , main-crop digging is continuing into April and May . and even later. It has the corresponding effect of shortening the South Island season with the resultant loss of trade. North Island Flooding Recent flooding in Hawke’s Bay is not likely to have any marked effect on the South Island potato producer. In the Bayview area, just north of Napier, new season’s plantings were completely washed out. However, any effect of the loss of this crop would not really be felt until October, when the early crops from the area could make an impression on the Wellington i and Hawke's Bay markets. Prices to Growers The following prices were announced yesterday as a guide , to growers by the president of the North Canterbury Grain. Seed and Produce Merchants' Association (Mr L. K. Jones):— Ryegrass.—Mother perennial, 12s a bushel; p.p., Ils 6d; mother Hl. Us; standard. 10s; mother Italian, 15s; standard. 14s. White Clover.—Mother 99/90. 3s per lb; p.p., 2s lOd. Cowgrass.—Uncertified. Is 6d per lb. Montgomery Red Clover.— Certified. 2s 6d per lb (nominal); uncertified Is 6d (nominal). Cocksfoot.—Certified, Is 6d per Ib (nominal). Browntop.—Certified, 7s per lb: uncertified, 6s 6d. Lucerne.—Certified, 3s 3d per lb (nominal): uncertified, 2s 9d (nominal). Mr Jones emphasised that the values quoted for ryegrasses and white clover were based on 99/90 purity, and germination and free from Rumex species to comply with the U.K Seeds Act. Business Personal Mr J. P. Dalton has been appointed merchandise manager of Kaiapoi Petone Group Texfiles. He was sales manager of the Kaiapoi company. M>r C. E. Shaw, who was sales manager of the Welling toh Woollen Manufacturing Company, Ltd., has been appointed sales manager. Mr E. N. Wilkinson, general manager of the Otago Daily Times and Witness Newspapers Company, Ltd., has been appointed to the board of directors of the company.—P.A A. S. Paterson.— The provisional profit of £50,000 for A. S. Paterson and Company, Ltd., for the year ended March 31, 1963. tvas for the group, and not for the parent company only, according to advice from the company. The comparative 1961-62 figure was £38,158 Binns Barber And Keenan, Ltd. Report having sold the 5roomed residence at 27 Draper street, Richmond. This Property was advertised for Public Auction by the Auctioneers: Binns, ■ Barber and Keenan, Ltd., 191 Manchester street. —Advt.