TIMARU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 24

TIMARU.

Our Timaru correspondent writes- — As yet very little has been done in the new season's produce on the local market. A few lines of oats have changed Hands at 2s ljd to 2s 2d. delivered at Timaru, but this price cannot be maintained. Last year's oats from Southland ars selling at 2s 3d f.0.b., s.i. and «s Bluff merchants are prepared to sell the new oats at a later date at the same rate, the local sellers' ideas of value, which at present exceed 2s, must be reduced. Moreover, the Southland farmers are always prepared to sell, while the local producers are not. It is generally anticipated that the market will oi>en at about 2s per bushel, delivered nt Timaru or on truck at stations, according to quality. The samples now showing are a very mixed lot, some good end: some very poor. No tranpactiona are reported as yet in the new wheat. Sellers expect to obtain 4s 3d, but it is more piolxible that the market will commence at 4s. notwithstanding the higher quotations at Chrislchurch. Buyers are willing to make purchases, but are waiting for a leader to set the price. Very few potatoes are offering, those coming forward being for local consumption at £6 10s per ton wholesale. The disease does not appe'ir very bad this year, but some samples, which showed healthy tops, have developed the disease very badly after digging.