GRAIN AND SEED REPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1912, 13 July 1888, Page 18

GRAIN AND SEED REPORT.

Messrs Samuel Oek and Co., Stafford street, report for the week ending July 11, as follows : —

Wheat.— There is no change whatever to report in the market for this cereal, millers not yet being inclined to lay up stocks in anticipation of an advance, which, judgingfrom exports North, musttake place in a short time, as supplies for the South must como from there. The exports from the North and the quantity for which freight has been engaged— not taking into account casual crafts which may come in, or what steamers may take— amount to date to over 300.000 sacks. We are strongly of opinion that taking this quantity into consideration as going out of the colony, and that stocks in the South are comparatively nothing of prime quality, that in the course of a month or so prices will improve. Meantime we quote: Prime milling Tuscan and red straw, up to 3s 2d ; medium, 2s 6d to 2s 9d ; inferior and fowls' feed, Is lOd to 2s 4d.

Oats. — It may now be fairly stated that these are on thn "spring," and notwithstanding our intercolonial markets being somewhat paralysed with the continuous flow from the South, they have been nble to withstand it all, and fromllatest advices their stocks are nottoo heavy, and prices firming, while the demand is expected — Melbourne especially — tobe unusually heavy this season. With such information before us, and the fact of the bulk of those in store being held by speculators, it cannot be wondered at prices improving ; and should the latter maintain their idea of holding, prices cannot fail to go up still. During the week we placed a large quantity at from Id to 2d a bushel more than we could have got for them a few weeks ago ; and now we quote extra prime milling up to Is 9JA ; while for a beautiful line of bright Canadians we were offered Is ll£d; good bright feed, Is B£d to Is 9d ; medium, Is I\ d to 1b 8f d ; inferior, Is 4d to Is 6d.

Barley. — Maltsters are all nearly supplied, and even though offered prime samples they are not inclined to go over 4s 3d (sacks extra) ; milling and feed are also easier, and prices nominally 3s 4d to 2b 6d respectively. We have an exceptionally fine lot for seed purposes for sale, but quantity being limited early application necessary.

Chaff. — The arrivals recently have exceeded the demand, and as a result Beveral good lines had to be quitted at under value ; but now that the weather has broken a much better spirit will be introduced and prices will improve.

Potatoes.— lt is now being recognised, as we pointed out some time ago, that the crop would be a short one, and what with this and the trost— which seems to have been general both North and South, and cut them up terribly — supplies will be scant, and barely sufficient for all requirements, as some of the markets on the other side are also bare. Prices during the week have improved from 2s 6d to ss, and Northerns may be quoted at £3 ; Southerns, from £2 10s to £2 12s 6d— according to quality. Seeds. -Ryegrass: We sold several lots of Poverty Bay from old pasture, but local grown is without Bale. Cocksfoot : We sold another large line during the week, and as stocks here are not so large we are strongly of opinion that prices will be better as the season advances. Clovers : Our supplies for the Beason are now to hand, and willjbe pleased to forward samples and quotations to any wishing to purchase.