COLD SNAP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27057, 16 April 1949, Page 4

COLD SNAP

RAIN BADLY REQUIRED COUNTRY LOOKING BARE Conditions In North Otago are still dry, and tlte weather h'gs been much colder this week, with some morning frosts. North Otago is badly in need of several inches of rain, and the country is becoming very bare. The autumn-sown green crops have been at a standstill this week. Wheat.—Merchants report that deliveries of new season’s seed wheat have commenced, and ‘sowing will commence immediately after Easter. With the exception of a few cleaning-up lines, deliveries of milling wheat have been completed for the season. Oats.—Further deliveries of Algerians, white oats, etc., have , been made to growers for immediate sowing. Stocks of last season’s Algerians are in short supply. There have also been inquiries from the North Island for machinedressed and clipped Algerians, but as very few new season’s have so far been dressed offerings are difficult to obtain. Chaff.—Because of the shortage of feed, there will be no surplus for shipping this season, as most stocks will be required locally. Potatoes.—Digging' of some of the mam crops has commenced, and present indications are that the yields will be below' the average because of the dry conditions during the growing period. A number of crops have dried off prematurely. In view of this, there promises to be a fair local inquiry. Seeds.—Markets have been very quiet this week. In view of the fact that the autumn sowing is nearly completed, merchants are not anxious to stock in at present high prices. Indications at the moment are for lower prices for grass seeds and clovers. There have been odd inquiries for Montgomery clover,- but buyers are not keen.