GRAIN AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22608, 22 December 1936, Page 5

GRAIN AND PRODUCE

TRADE IN AUCKLAND MAIZE ADVANCES AGAIN FURTHER RISE IN BARLEY Instead of obtaining relief from the particularly high prices which are now ruling for all types of grain, poultrymen and pig-feeders have betr placed in a still more serious position as the result of several advances during the past week in grain ajjd produce in Auckland. Although values for barley were raised 3d in thq»] previous week there has been another"" l similar advance to the level of os Gil a bushel. Maize also rose again by 2d a bushel. The other markets are firm, with price increases anticipated. Local stocks of pollard are negligible and mills are rationing supplies. POTATOES The market is heavily supplied with potatoes from Pukekohc and the position generally is weak. The quality remains good and selling prices are at the low rate of up to •_'s <;d a bag, through auction, according to quality. 1 OXIONS Supplies of imported onions are almost exhausted and some difficulty may be found in meeting the demand for the next fortnight, until the. new Pukekohe crop is mature. The local crop is now coming on fairly fast, but the inquiry is not very brisk. The value of imported onions is unchanged at the nominal rate of 30s a bag, through store, while a few local stocks are selling at from 16s 6d to 17s per cwt. FOWL WHEAT The ni3rkft for fowl wheat continues very strong, although prices are ma.ntained at last week's level of 'ss 8d a bushel, through store. Most of the buying has been completed for Christmas, but further advances are anticipated in the new year. Supplies are only limited and no relief can be afforded from Australia. The position therefore is serious and it appears that merchants will be forced to ration the available slocks until the new crop is harvested. MAIZE With the few loral supplies of maize firmly held there has been a further advance of 2d a bushel, current quotations being 7s 9d a bushel, through store. There appears to be no prospect of obtaining sufficient quantities to fulfil requirements, and the_ first importation is not due from Java until May. BARLEY Following a further firming in the barley position in Australia, the local price has been advanced again. Values are 3d higher I than last week at ."is Cd a bushel, through S store, for clipped. Even "this figure is below the replacement cost and still further advances are expected. OATS AND CHAFF Values for oats are maintained at last week's increased rate of Is I'd a bushel, through store. Only fairly light stocks are held and the market continues firm. : Chaff is steady at the unaltered quotation of £« 12s 6d a ton, through store. £ BRAN AND POLLARD " ' The severe shortage of pollard continues and local mills are rationing supplies, with the result that several merchants have been unable to secure even small quantities. A portion of the business is still being done in \ustralian supplies, but, with the market iiigh, prices have an upward tendency. > alues are slightly higher at up to £9 7s 6d a ton, through store. The local value, as. fixed by the Wheat Committee, is unchanged at the nominal rate of £(3 10s a ton. The market for bran is steady at the unchanged value of £0 15s a ton, through store. Good quantities are held.