CANTERBURY MARKETS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3216, 3 November 1915, Page 13

CANTERBURY MARKETS.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE REPORTS. (Lyttelton Times, October. 3C.) Probably at no previous time has October closed with the grain and produce, markets in such a languid state as they are at present, and at the moment there are no indications that the lethargy which has characterised the trade during the last few months is soon to come to an enjd. In past seasons there have always been buyers at a price, but this year purchasers of grain are practically non-existent. The majority of millers stocked heavily when grain was in the vicinity of 7s per bushel, anticipating that values would reach still higher figures, but once all hope of a rise vanished they ceased buying, and the result, has been that many growers have been left with parcels on their hands. Each week has witnessed a weakening in values, making it more and more difficult to sell except at prices very much below those which many of them had previously refused. Many growers in the province still hold parcels of grain; but few are taking the trouble to place samples before buyers since they know full well that the offers which would be made, if any, would be at prices so much below those which they had before refused as to put all prospect of business out of the question. Millers and merchants seem very, determined in their resolve not to purchase’ any further supplies at present, and the majority of millers assert that their presentstocks will prove ample for all requirements till next season’s crop is placed on the market. Although the weather during the last few months has been exceptionally dry, wheat crops are looking remarkably well, considering the slender chance which they have had, and the recent rains have had the effect of freshening them up to a very great extent. The oat market is very dull and virtually no business is being done. Merchants, as in the case of wheat, are to all intents, and purposes off the market, while, judging from the few samples submitted from week to week, it is clearly apparent that the amount still in the hands of growers is small indeed. Prices are purely nominal. Several speculators in potatoes who have

oversold to Sydney now 1 find themselves in the position of having to fulfil their contracts at whatever price, and the result of this has been a hardening of values during the past week, and to-day the current price is £7 on trucks at country stations. The offerings are. by no means large,_ and th< majority of the samples submitted are showing the effect of the continued dry

weather, being in most cases shrivelled, whilst nearly all are making growth. The following quotations are for purchases from farmers, not cash, sacks extra, delivered at country stations:—Wheat, 3s 6d to 3.s 9d. Garton oats, 2s 6d to 3s; Algerians, none offering; Duns, 3s: Danish, none offering. Barley, 5s 3d to os. Partridge peas, 5s 3d to 5s 6d; blue Prussians, 6s.

Potatoes, £7. Chaff, £5. Bran, £5 ss. Pollard, £5 10s. Oatmeal, £2O. .Flour, £l3. Ryegrass, 4s 6d; cocksfoot (131 b), 7d to 7Jd; white clover (farm dressed). Is to is 2d; cowgrass, 7d to Ed. Dairy factory cheese, 10gd; dairy cheese, 81d; local factory butter, first grade, Is 5d ; farm separator butter. Is Id; farm dairy butter, lid. Hams, Is ; sides, lid; rolls. Is; rolled hams. Is lei. Lard pats, lOd. Eggs, Is. TIMARU MARKETS. . (Christchurch Press, October 30). Though the local markets are not very active there is a little business passing. Wheat is quoted to-day as being worth 4s 3d, and it has been sold at this price during the week. There is very httio offering, however. Those who have held till now are strong holders, and it is immaterial to most of them whether they sell now or next season or the season alter that. Practically no sales arc being made in oats. Rome are offering at 3s 3d, but merchants are not buying here. They can get Southland oats at 3s. The potato market firmed again this week, and to-day’s quotations are £7 to £7 10s per ton for freshly picked-over tubers. A higher price than this was paid during the week, but it is. doubtful whether it could be obtained now. There is a demand both from the North Island and from Sydney.