GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2714, 23 June 1925, Page 10

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

There has been a brighter tone about the potato market this week than has been the case for some time, though prices have not improved a great deal. However,' more inquiries are being received from Auckland, and present indications arc that a good improvement in prices will be recorded next month. A trial shipment of potatoes is to be made to Sydney next week. It is not likely that a large quantity will be sent, but, if the shipment proves a success, it will probably lead to futher business. The conditions governing the entry of New Zealand potatoes into Australia do not appear to be as stringent as was first thought. The potatoes have to be accompanied by a Government certificate to the effect that they are free _of serious diseases, and also by a certificate that there has been no powdery scab on the land on which they were grown for a least twelve months. The latter certificate, it is understood, will be given on the grower making a declaration that his land has been free of powdery scab for the period mentioned. The grower's name has also to be placed on the bags. This latter condition is the most awkward, but it is not a very serious one. Apparently the New South Wales Government does not assert the right to rejopt the potatoes in Sydney even if they are accompanied by the necessary certificates from New Zealand. At one time it was thought that this was one of the conditions, and it was naturally the big stumbling-block to merchants here shipping potatoes over to Sydney. If it is not one of the conditions, there seems no reason why a good trade should not be done with Sydney. Not many potatoes are being received from the country, and the prospect of business with Sydney is likely to make farmers firmer holders than ever, at least until the price advances. With regard to the Importation of wheat from Australia, it is reported that satisfactory arrangements have been made by the Government. The Government has already purchased some wheat and has made arrangements for shipping it when it is required. It is stated that the price of the Australian wheat will be satisfactory from the- point of view of the millers, and the price of flour and bread will not be affected. During th e Pa«t week or so the demand for New Zealand fowl wheat has decreased as the result of the importation into the North Island of supplies from Australia. It is reported that the quality of the Australian fowl wheat is very poor and after duty has been paid it is not a great deal cheaper than New Zealand fowl wheat. There Is little to report with regard to other lines. Oats are in moderately good demand and prices for them remain firm at late rates. All classes

of seeds are quiet. The following? are quotations for

produce to be paid to farmers, sacks extra, except where otherwise stated: Wheat Tuscan 6/8 per bushel f.0.b.; Hunter -6/10; Pearl 7/-; fowl wheat 6/6 to 6/8 f.o.b. Oats —Gartons 3/4 to 3/8 per bushoi; Algerians 2/8 to 2/10; Duns (dark) 3/3 to 3/9. Chaff —Up to £3 15/- per ton. Potatoes —£3 15/- to £4 per ton. Onions—Up to £8 10/- per ton. Red Clover—Sd to 9d per lb. White Clover —9d to 1/- per lb. Perennial Ryegrass —3/3 to 3/9 per bushel. Italian Ryegrass—2/9 to 3/- per bushel. Partridge Peas —5/- to 5/3 per bushel. Cocksfoot —5d to 6d per lb. Barley—4/9 to 5/- per bushel. Flour—Up to £l7 per ton. Flour—2oolb sacks £18; 1001 b bags £l9; 501 b bags £l9 12/6; 251 b bags £2O; all at per ton f.0.b., Lyttelton, Timaru, and Oamaru. Bran—£B per ton, f.0.b., southern ports, 10/- extra for smaller packings. Pollard —£9 per ton. f.0.b., southern ports, 10/- extra for smaller packings.