COMMERCIAL.

Northern Advocate, 8 January 1920, Page 1

COMMERCIAL.

AUCKLAND MARKETS

GENERAL REVIEW,

AUCKLAND, Jan. 7. Produce: The markets are well supplied with southern produce, but local is naturally in shorter supply since

the hoidays. However, this will soon

be altered, and there is little doubt that the next few weeks wil see an

enormous increase in activity.

Potatoes: Very few have come in thi s week, and the price is a little firmer, best quality selling at 14s ex store. The yield is very disappointing in the immediate neighbourhood of Auckland as a result of the dry weather. Some farmers in digging are not finding a single large potato, while the general size is well below the average.

Onions: Local are steadily improv-

ing in quality, and are selling at about 22s 6d to 255, ex store. The crop is a poor one, and it is expected that the price will keep much higher than usual.

Southern Crops: During the last few days forward quotations have arrived which indicate poor crops of onions in the South also. It is too early to know hw they will really turn out, but apparently any reduction in output in the South will not be for want of rain. In Otago the spring was about the wettest that has ever been known, an increased deluge of rain interfering with planting operations to some extent.

Oats: Goods supplies are held here, and price is unchanged at 6s 6d, ex store in small lines.

Wheat: Fowl wheat continues in good demand at 9 3 6d.

Flour: With regard to the rise of 2s 6d per ton in the price of small bags of flour, it is to be noted that Southern mills have advanced their small bags 5s per ton. This advance is owing to the steady advance in ail bagging material.

Chaff: Southern is more plentiful, but the price keeps very firm at £14 10s to £15 ex store. Very little local is coming in, and the same applies to hay. Farmers are evidently keeping back what they nave, in case they want it themselves in a dry autumn, and some have even begun to use their hay already. The rain on Monday morning will not make the slightest impression on pastures. Even on •dug or ploughed ground it was hardly noticeable in its effects.

Maize: Demand keeps good for this time of the year, no doubt largely owing to the position in regard to wheat. Later consignments have realised 8 S to 8s 3d on the wharf in wholesale lines.

Fertilisers: All descriptions are in good demand, but supplies are limited.

Fencing Wire: Another small lot of American plain and barbed wire has arrived to a good market. The price in New York shows a distinct inclination to harden, and English prices are very firm.

Kerosene: An advance of Is per case is announced.