COMMERCIAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17178, 4 June 1919, Page 5

COMMERCIAL.

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL.

SUPPLIES OF PRODUCE.

: Tho holiday has introduced artificial conditions that render it difficult to gauge the actual position of trade, but reports point to & satisfactory turnover in both wholesale and retail. Largo numbers of visitors have been in town for over a week, and they all help in tho spending. The welcome broaking-up of what is generally described as a drought was so drastic as to be decidedly unpleasant, but it has been followed by such perfect weather as to impart a- hopeful feeling in all sections of tho community. Producers aro assured of abundant raiu to bring along their lines and their crops, manufacturers aro operating with full orders in hand, shippers and distributors are sotting the benefit of tho improved service with tho United Kingdom. Exports: There is some speculation as to tho prociso naturo of the effect that the Peace Treaty will havo on trade, but nothing appears certain. Tho outbreak of war falsified all theories and expectations, and it looks as if the same uncertainty is again abroad. In some quarters it is thought possible that the reopening of the Continent will result in such a demand for food and raw materials as the world has never known before, but even then it is not certain bow New Zealand will immediately be affected. It is only natural that frco shipping will bo 'attracted to the shorter routes, where high freights can bo earned in a tew days. Otherwise New Zealand and Australia- will attract attention, on account of tho large surplus of food in | both countries. Produce: The position has been again changed in regard to shipping., After a long period of uncertainty, tho shipping on tho Coast has bceu augmented by Kteamoia formerly in tho coal trade. Although this « bad for-coal, particularly with winter just commencing, this Una- decidedly relieved the pressure as regards produce. Large quantities oi produce and general merchandise which has boon delayed for weeks should now arrive from tho South. Potatoes In Good Supply. Potatoes: Supplies are mow plentiful, and the market has declined a little. £10 ox store being quoted for best Southern. There (appears to lie no outlet in the South for snip- , ment to Sydney, but tho Roggcveon has taken I some from hero this week. This, will not cause any local scarcity, as tho shipping, on ! the Coast has been increased by the diversion to this trade of the coal steamers originally intended for Newcastle. These havo already brought up more than were expected, and further largo supplies aro on tho way. Onions: The market is eo bare that prices .this week are merely nominal, best Southern being worth about £15, ex store. It has been impossible to fill local orders, after allocating the usual quantity to tho Islands, and merchants now await further supplies from tho South. Locally-grown arc not inn offered Oats: The market is well supplied, mid further shipments are expected from the South before long. Quotations are very firm in the South, and show a tendency to harden with the least increaso in tho inquiry. This keeps the local market firm, and B gn.do are quoted at as 7d ex store. A good crop is reported in most Southern districts, but j i» is a bad sign when farmers are feeding their sheep on oaten sheaves, and that is what is already reported in some districts. Until the winter is over, and spring grans is again plentiful, it will not be known what proportion of tho recent, harvest {armors will bo inclined to release, and at , present they are holding ill case of a shortago of feed. i Ohafl and Hay i i Chaff: Similar conditions , are- operating on the chaH market, and limilini! the offers of supplies. This has a teudency to harden Quotations, but a slackening in (ho demand is working in the opposite direction. Since the rain cam* there has been a distinct falling off in the demand, partly on account of wayback settlements having completed (heir task of getting in their supplies beforo the roads broke- up (or tho winter. Best local is realising about £9 to £9,108. delivered at the Auckland station in truck loads Southern has boon scarce, and ruoted up to £12 10s ex store, but larger riuantitica arc expected before long. Kay: A good demand continues, although it has slackened off in some districts for the same reason as chaff. Much less is changing hands now, as holders aro content to keep most of what thoy have. Bran: A very heavy demand is reported, and supplier, are not sufficient to meet the inquiry. In addition to tho ordinary requirements, a largo quantity is now used for feeding milking cowsTollard: Supplies aro totally inadequate to meet tho domand, and nil sorts of substitutes aro being used. Rye-corn is the latest grain to bo ground for poultry and pig feeding, and it is said to bo a nutritious m<,li ' ... Wheat: Fowl wheat is easier, and larger supplies aro on offer in tho South. Quotation is 7s 9d ex store. Maize: Fair quantities are arriving,, end price is unchanged at 73 Dd ex wharf in wholesale lir.es. Flax: The market is unsettled, and tho London inquiry is decidedly dull Letters bv tho mail point, to a very weak market in London, with distinct bear operations, in Manila hemp, and thin hits reacted on New Zealand flax. Manufacturers appear to have sufficient for 1919, and show no disposition to buy forward. Of course n good deal will depend on how tho Continental trado opens up after tho treaty is signed.

LONDON MARKETS. ' Australian and N Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 8 p.m.) LONDON, May 22 (delayed). WOOL. A fair selection of all classes of wool was offered- Prices were firmly maiutaiued. Of Now Zealand offerings, Galatea realised 32jd top and 30d average. Bradford showed an extremely strong market, with great inquiry for Merinos and fine crossbreds. BUTTER AND CHEESE. Cheoso is becoming plentiful, the May distribution being 83 per cent, of the trade's requirements. Canadian is quoted at ICOs c.i.f. The butters upplios are increasing, but tho ration has not been altered. It is under stood 'hat the food Ministry will purchase Canadian and Danish weokly, according to requirements. CEREALS. Wheat is quiet, small sales of Australian on the passage being made at 80s. Flour is quiet and unchanged. Oats: La Plata, spot GOs to 628. Bcan3 and peas are being Etesdily held. AUCKLAND STOCK EXCHANGE. The Stock Exchange, which was closed vesterday for t'no observance of the King's Birthday, will lie reopened for business this morning. PROPERTY SALES. ifesrs. Robt. C. Carr and Son will oiler for salo by auction, at their rooms, Swansea Street, to-day, at 2 p.mi, the freehold of the Imperial Hotel, at the corner of Queen and Fort Streets, Auckland. The land is subject to a lenso having 32 years and three months to rue. at 11 rental of I'l>7f> per annum. Further particulars arc advertised in this issue.