GRAIN AND SEED REPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1895, 16 March 1888, Page 18

GRAIN AND SEED REPORT.

Messrs Samuel Oeb and Co., Stafford street, report for the week ending March 14 as follows :— Wheat.— We regret very much to have to report, that the market for this cereal is in a most desponding condition, so much so that wheat which a fortnight ago would have sold at 3s 8d is now only worth 3s 3d. The large quantity which they have up North has began to tell its tale here, as a large quantity of samples came down, and offering cheap* consequently broke this market's price right away. There is no way at present to ship, so that growers' must accept present prices or store in anticipation of values improving through international complications. The quality of the Northern grown product is all that could be desired, while prices obtainable for such is 3s 3d, whether Tuscan, red straw, or velvet ; secondary quality is worth say 2s 11(1 to 3sld. Oats.— The new crop is of very good quality indeed, being bright aud well filled; but as with wheat so it is with oats, the market, even though the quantity coming forward is nothing to speak of, already showing signs of weakness, as thore is really no outside demand. Melbourne and Sydney are afe a very low ebb, as the former's country deliveries are already pouring in on them now— so much so that oats there 101 lin a few days from Id to £d, while maize also dropped. The demand is therefore by no means great, aud the best price obtainable for a reallyprime sample is Is B£d ; good to ordinary, Is 7d to. Is 8d ; while for a line of bright Danish we got 1b Bd. Barley. - Some time ago we said that growers of: this would find it a most remunerative crop, and already it has matured itself, as anything like a good malting sample is worth 4s 6d, secondry malting is vi^ued at 3s 6d to 4s, while milling and feed is worth 3s%d and 3s respectively. Our sales of all classes of grain for the week has been 15,050 bushels. Grass Seed.— For local autumn sowing the demand is but slight, but for export we have experienced a. very fair demand indeed. Prices are, however, not what they used to be, but taking into consideration, the state of tho markets elsewhere, growers have noreason to complain. Our sales during the week have been :— JB, Tuapeka, 249 bags, 2s 7d (sacks extra) ; MR, 75 sacks, 2s 7d (sacks extra) ; PR, Kelso, 185 sacks, Is 9d (sacks extra); WS, Waiwera, 184 sacks, 2s Id ; TT, Waiwera, 50 sacks, 2s 4d. Chaff.— During the past few days the arrivals have been rather in excess of requirements, and consequently prices have eased off a bit. We quote prime oaten sheaf, if well cut and screened, 57s 6d ; ordinary, 453 to 52s 6d. Potatoes.— Arrivals during the week have been somewhat larger than usual, while the demand isnot improving any. Southerns are difficult to sell, being, If anything, too green ; so that the Northerns take command of the market. Prospectively, w& think growers may expect a better demand, and consequently better prices, than last season, as already we have heard of an inquiry for a large quantity. There is not the crop this year there was last, which of course should strengthen prices, while the outlet will be as good. Quotations nominally: 42s 6d to 555.