GRAIN REPORT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1633, 10 March 1866, Page 2

GRAIN REPORT.

I A large amount of grain has been brought into the market during the week, but principally wheat. Of oats but few parcels have been coming forward; some fine samples of wheat have come to hand, though much is of inferior quality, having sprouted. Our previous quotations remain without any material alteration; good milling samples of wheat realize from 5s 6d to 6s; inferior, from 3s 6d to ss. Oats, may be quoted the same as last week, viz., 3s 3d to 4s, and market firm. Barley and peas are still scarce, the former is worth 6s 6d, which is freely given for good malting samples. Peas are not as yet thrashed, prices from 4s 6d to 5s per bushel. Hay is without variation, prime quality finds purchasers at from £4 to 44 10s per ton delivered. In the flour market, a fair average amount of business has been done through the week. Flour made from the new wheat we quote at £18; that from the old, at £22, superfine; and £20 for seconds. Bran is easier, although it is still quoted at £7. Sharps, £8 to £810s per ton.

Messrs. Jones McGlashan & Co, report of the Hokitika market, for the last month as follows :—

The market is over supplied with both cattle and sheep throughout the month, while calves lambs and pigs have been exceedingly scarce. The following numbers show pretty accurately the several quantities in each class : —Fat cattle 740, calves 5, sheep 1850, lambs 24, and pigs 40. The introduction of a greater number of cattle and sheep, beyond actual requirements, necessarily entails a weakened market with regard to price; and the same cause operating on this as the previous month, has had a very marked effect on the value of both sheep and cattle. It is much to be regretted that the means of supply cannot be better regulated, so that something approaching a determinate price might regulate transactions between the importers, butchers, and the public. Just at this period of the year, fat cattle are most plentiful, but unfortunately least in demand; thus, while the stockholders of Canterbury are eagerly seeking a paying and available outlet for their surplus stock (and looking principally to Westland as affording the opportunity and the means), they appear to overlook the simple fact, that any market, no matter however healthy and vigorous, may, by unwisely forced plethora, become completely the reverse. We write our reports always honestly and sincerely, with the earnest desire to serve, not only the interests of our own immediate constituents, but with them, also the stockholders of this province, and the public generally; and in this spirit, we predict that the past and still existing glut, will very shortly be followed (at all events throughout the winter months) by a great scarcity of fat and good marketable stock with enormously high prices; and such result will imperatively ensue, until proper provision exists for the maintenance of both cattle and sheep in the neighbourhood of this market. The arrivals by sea-board, during the month, have been very unimportant. Some 70 head of cattle and||4so sheep only having arrived to make up the grand totals. There has been a very marked improvement in the quality of cattle ; but a most decided falling off in that of sheep; so much so, that we can hardly bring ourselves to believe that sheep brought overland will, yet for many a day prove remunerative to the importer. We have sold during the month, 138 head of fat cattle. Messrs. Harrison and Thomson's 30, at an average of £20 10s; Mr. James Nicholson's 40Tiead, at about £18 10s; Messrs. Horsey and Evans 41 head, at £17; Messrs. Evans and Holt's 33 head, at a little over £20; and a few small lots at corresponding figures. We quote prime quality £4, and medium £3 per 100 lbs, with every prospect of a gradual rise throughout the month of March.

Calves —Only five forwarded. Veal always valuable when anything like good. Fat Sheep—We sold, altogether, 640 of which only 150 (brought by steamer from Nelson) Mr. Askew's lot, were at all fat, and these (mixed ewes and wedders) were a really splendid sample. Messrs. Campbell and Milburn's 150 were also very prime, and commanded fair prices. The overland sheep made up the residue, which, as a whole, were very inferior—so much so that buyers could with difficulty, be found at very small figures. Prices ranging from 10s. to 16s per head. We quote prime wedders as worth 35s j medium, 15s to 20s. Lambs —Scarce, and readily saleable, but the season passing away. Pigs—Only 40 introduced, which sold speedily at good rates. The demand on the increase; good porkers worth fully lOd per lb. Horses—Nothing doing at all in this trade, nor do we anticipate any movement until the winter, when, no doubt, there will be a pretty brisk trade doing. Good hacks and heavy draUghters command full prices, but actual transactions are very limited. Otago.—By the Egmont we have our files to March 7. The Daily Times reports:— Not much change for the better is apparent in business, the supply of current local requirements constituting all the trade which is at present doing. In the flour market, as with all other staples there are no large transactions taking place. Holders of Chilian are firm, and the small lots moving off realise the last quoted advance. In sugars, teas, and liquids, there have not occurred any sales calling for notice.

THE GANIERBVRY TIMES THIS DAY.