THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MARKETS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9300, 16 December 1891, Page 2

THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MARKETS.

Messrs A AY. Sandford and Co. report under date Adelaide, December 1 :- Tha weather continued unseasonably dry until the 18th, when Rood general rains fell throughout tho agricultural areas, followed by cool, showery weather. Rut little advantage, however, to our wheat and hay can be ascribed to this change coming so late, excepting in the Hills districts, where crops are more backward. In the north, farmers have cut considerably increased quantities for hay of those crops that had suffered from the heavy frosts in October, when it became certain that' the ears had been very seriously damaged. As the hay yield in the older districts, however, is very light, iv many instances a total failure, the total quantity for the colony will not exceed average production. AAlieat reaping is now general on the plains, and about finished in the earlier northern areas. The yield will be a light one and very disappointing after the prospects in the north previous to frost above mentioned. Business in jiew wheat has been only done to a limited extent, buyers apparently disinclined to operate largely, whilst farmers are busy cleaning up and getting ready to deliver. In forage lines no alteration in values is shown, excepting a slightly improving demand for oats-rthe quotations for imoorted being 2s 3d to 2s 4d (in bond) per bushel of "401b. Locally grown potatoes continue to supply not only our own requirements, but also the bulk of Barrier and River trade. Trices during the season have ruled very satisfactory for growers, but in sympathy with the heavy drop in V ictoria, values gave way a couple of pounds in the earlier part of last week. Local onions are beginning to reach market; importations may therefore be reckoned on as finished for the season. A more than usually active month has been experienced in dairy products, the effects of our dry winter now showing markedly on supplies, especially* of fresh butter, which line rapidly advanced within a week or 10 days of the opening of last month fully 50 per cent. A slight reaction, however, has since set in, but no serious drop need be anticipated. The increased value not only puts aside all possibility of making any further shipments this season to London, but clearly shows that even for home consumption importation will be required from the other colonies. Already steady shipments are being received for transmission in bond over Border. New cheese have been reaching market freely, and finding ready sale at satisfactory rates. New Zealand (in bond), 5.d large, 6jd loaf.