SLUMP IN POTATOES

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12459, 29 May 1926, Page 6

SLUMP IN POTATOES

FORWARD SELLERS SMILING 4 OTHER MARKETS SLACK. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 28. “Slump" 19 not an extravagant terra to use in connection with tho raovf/nent of the potato market this week. In an ordinary season bi’oken weather delays tho digging to some extent, but this i year the digging weather has been almost uninterrupted, and the farmers who sold forward for April and May at high figures are showing the utmost ; alacrity in delivering supplies. About 50,000 sacks have been shipped to Auckland and Sydney in this past three weeks. Within the week values have dropped 25s a ton. To-day, a small parcel or two were sold at £5 f.0.b.5.i., but if any quantity were asked for it is unlikely that it would be. procurable at under £5 ss. June values may be quoted at £5 7s 6d to £5 10s, July at £5 12s 6d, and for July-August-Scptember £6 5s to £6 103 has been mentioned. There are more or less “panicky" quotations as far as the late months are concerned, the present f.o.b.s.i. price represents £3 15s to £4 on trucks, a figure which does not attract the farmers after having had the chance of £5 10s to £6, there are a few fresh offerings being made, and the probabilities are that the farmers will be a factor in restoring some stability to the market, as June should see of the forward operations dealt with. The Waikouaiti got away at last from Lyttelton for Sydney, with 19,000 sacks , from flint port, ami 4000 from Timaru. The Kaimannwa left for Auckland with 8100 sacks, and the Ivawatiri, which is replacing the Kckerangu, sails about Tuesday for Sydney, via Auckland, with a few tubers for both ports. Potatoes are going into consumption. The history of tho potato market is the history of the produce trade generally. Oats arc firmer, and 4s 4}d 1 f.o.b.s.i. is quoted tor A Gartons at | South Island ports. 1 Peas aro about done with. Buyers have had trouble in filling tlieir .orders. Soiuo cowgross is being bought**from farmers at 8d to 9d a lb. Sales of wheat are being posted at 7s — whether on trucks or f.o.b. is not clear. No wheat, n.s far os can bo ascertained, is selling at 6s 8d f.o.b.