COMMERCIAL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11638, 21 May 1912, Page 6

COMMERCIAL.

THE LOCAL MARKETS. Oamaru Mail Office, Mondav Afternoon. Farmers were not offering their wheat freelv during the week, apparently bein- of the opinion that by holding in the meantime they will realise a better price than that now ruling when they do se On the other hand, millers arc not operating to any extent, and are taking onlv the best lines that can be procured. " The wheat market may be described as firm, with no increase in price. It is noticeable, too, that on the outside markets, though reported weaker, prices remain at about the same level-as last week Sales reported include a line ol prime velvet at 3s 10d, less commission, and one of 110U sacks at 3s 9*d nett. To-day's citations for wheat are: Vovet 3s 9dTo 3s B.'.d; Tuscan and redchaff 3s Sd to 3s Ski nett. on trucks. The oats market has remained very firm during the week, and prices, il anything, are a shade better. 'l'he Australian demnnd still continues, find North Island buyers have been working on this market for their supplies, and this u enabled merchants to quit their stock* at prices which are considered satis.a - torv The bad weather experienced, in the south has also been a frf w '» "»" proving the tone ot the oats maiket, and as southern merchants have bee operating it looks as it they had bee forced to purchase m this district to complete forward orders tor .May diliverv There is now an opinion, however,' that the market for this grain has reached )i& highest level as Austria buyers cannot be expected to be so keen at the rate now ruling, and, moreover, the good rains that have been experienced in some parts of the Commonwealth will also have a. tendency to improve the-prospects there Quotations are: Choice milling A grade Gartens 2s 2>.d A Grade gartons 2s 2d, B grade l 's id to 2s Ud, Danish up to is Id, duns 2s Id to 2s 2d, all nett on trucks. There is a better enquiry for Algerians, principally from. Auckland, and sales have- been effected at prices equal to- is THd to 2s' lOd, f.o.b.s.i. „,,.,„ The market for oaten sheaf chait lias firmed slightly, and this produce is worth from £2 12s 6d to £2 15s per ton, nett cash, to farmers, for good heavy quality. .. A few linos of cocksfoot have been ottering at 'from 4d to 4-id per lb for farmers' dresesd lines, and up to od per lb for an extra good cleaned line. An easier feeling has dominated the potato market right through the week. TJnusuallv heavy offerings were made by farmers, but not a great deal of business resulted. In the earlier portion ot the period under review sales were made at up to £5 ss, but towards the close £5 was the best price that could be obtained, and even at the latter figure merchants were not keen to do business, neither did farmers seem disposed to quit their supplies at this figure. It is reported that some shipments made to Sydney have shown symptoms of blight, and arc held up at that port in consequence. Advices were received by local merchants from Auckland this morning that the market there was glutted,_aiid that sales had been made at £5 os c.i.f.e.

There has been a .keen demand during the. week for all descriptions of fat sheep, and prices have advanced Is to 2s per head. Prime wethers are worth 10s to 20s, extra good 21s to 225, heavyweighted ewes are quoted at los to 16s, medium weights 13s to . 14s, prime fat lambs are worth 17s to 17s 6d, extra, prime 18s to 18s 6d, with a firming tendency in sympathy with the London market, 'where prime Canterburys are quoted at up to 6Jd per lb. It is anticipated that the demand for fat sheep and lambs will continue right up to the spring. A fair enquiry exists for fat, wellgrown 3 to 5-year-old bullocks, suitable for finishing off on turnips, but this description of cattle is exceedingly scarce. The price quoted is £6 los to £7 10s per | head. There is not so much demand for 18-moiiths to two-year-old cattle. For dairy cows there is a keen, demand, and good sorts just at profit are worth £lO to £ll per head, medium sorts just ad* profit being quoted at £8 to £9.

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S CABLE. (Per Press Association.) , Wellington, May 20.. The following is the High Commissioner's cabled report, dated London May 18th. (Quotations, unless otherwise specified, are average market prices on spot) : ~: Mutton. —The market is steady, with a very good demand; Canterbury 4d to 4Jd; .North Island, 3fd to 4d. The lamb market is firm, with a good demand for all lamb. Canterbury 6 d, other than Canterbury 5-Jd. The beef maiket is firm, with moderate supplies coming forward. New Zealand hinds 4{,'d, New Zealand fores 3gd. The butter market is firm, with a. good demand for all descriptions,., and prices advancing. Choicest New Zealand 113s, Australian 108s, Danish 120s, Siberian 109s, Argentine 107s.