THE SELECTION AND STORAGE OF SEED POTATOES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3510, 21 June 1921, Page 12

THE SELECTION AND STORAGE OF SEED POTATOES.

It is now generally recognised that the condition of the seed “or set” at the time of planting influences the resultant crop in a. very remarkable degree. Though .he influence is more in irked in the case of first and second earlv varieties, where rapid and vigorous growth for the production of very early crops is essential; it also has n distinct bearing on the crons of mid-season and later varieties of potatoes. It is common practice in certain parts to plant seed potatoes about, the size of a hen’s egg; but in other parts this practice has not given good results, and growers plant almost entirely cut sets from the large tubers. .A little reflection will show that sma'l potatoes may arise in one or two ways. They may he small, being the produce of weakly plants or even plants diseased with “leaf curl,” Mosaic, or some other disease which has delayed growth, or they may he small because they art the last formed ones of a strong healthy plant, and had not sufficient time in the soil for full development, T* will he erSv to -o that whilst the setting o’ the latter would produce satisfactory results, the former would naturally give poor returns. Therefore, the selection of seed potatoes of a small size from a clamp, as is the general rule at present. gives no guarantee that the seed will produce good crops. Tn the ease of early potatoes where the o'i owing period is short, good-sized seed should he selected. '>:perience having proved that in first earlios small seed does not produce the crop which can he obtained from larger sets. Tt is generally recognised that for second earliest main crops and late potatoes, a set about the size of a hen’s egg, if properly selected and kept, will give satisfactory results, and this is the size of tuber that usually passes through a 2in mesh riddle and is held bv a l|in mesh riddle. Experience points to the fact that where crops are grown for the production of ware, smaller potatoes than the above size should not be used. The ripeness nr unripeness of the tubers at the time of lifting has an important bearing on the potential capabilities of the seed for producing large crops. Tn the south of

England if the crop is lifted after the

haulms have turned yellow and ripe, the tubers used for seed in the following spring are slower in starting into growth, though the resultant crops usually mature earlier and are lighter than those produced troiu seed brought from the north. Careful investigation along scientific lines appears to prove -that for the production of good seed the proper water and nitrogen contents of the tubers are obtained just before the haulms begin to show the first signs of ripening. Many growers in Sjcotland of early rarities for seed purposes are so convinced of this fact that as soon as tnis stage in the growth of the plant has been reached the haulms are cut across and removed with a view to retarding further developments. In the ease of main crop and late potatoes, they seldom roach the fully ripe 6tage either in Scotland or Ireland, and often receive the first check in autumn from a few degrees of frost. When the stage in the growth of the crop previously described has been reached, the plants should be carefully lifted with the fork, so as to damage or bruise the tubers as little as possible. Sots of early potatoes after selection should bo placed in shallow boxes, one layer deep, with the crown or rose end uppermost. They should then be placed in a cool dry shed where light is trcely admitted, but frost excluded, or where, if only one or two boxes are concerned, a covering of straw or other material can be placed upon the boxes to protect against frost in severe weather and removed when the danger is past. The old system of leaving the tubers ljing on the ground to green prior to boxing is open to certain objections, especially in a year when blight is prevalent, as diseased haulms are often scattered in close proximity, and there is some danger of clean tubers being infected by spores lying on the surface of the soil. if the tubers are buxed ai.d then left out there is less objection, but in a proper store with plenty of light, the tubers green sufficiently in the boxes. Where the varieties are of the main crop anil late kinds, ami a considerable area lias to bo planted, a deeper box is more suitable. Several layers of tubers may be held, and the box can be carried to the field in spring without needless handling of and perhaps injury to the sprouting potatoes. Most authorities are agreed that much better returns are obtained from seed tubers which produce two or three good strong steins than from tubers which produce double the number of weakly growtns. If the first intention of the sprouting tubers is preserved, and if sufficient light has been given and proper conditions observed, every eye will not grow, but the tubers will restrict themselves to two cr three leading sprouts. If, on the other liand, potato sets are kept in the dark every eye will endeavour to produce a sprout which will be lightcoloured and weakly. Where insufficient light has been given, and too many sprouts may have been produced, some of these can bo reduced at the time of planting by rubbing off the weaker and retaining three of tho strongest at the rose end of tlie tuber. The sprouts at planting time should be strong and sturdy, not more than an inch long, and of a dark green, purple or blue colour according to the variety. Exhibitors have found that by using largo seed and reducing the sprouts to one—viz., tho strongest, the general tendency is that large tubers of good exhibition quality are obtained if tho seed has been properly selected for that purpose. —Ministry of Agriculture, England IRRIGATION. GALLOWAY EXPERIM ENTAL AREA. (From Odb Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Juno 18. The Minister of Agriculture (the JTon. W. Nosvvorthy) proposes to proceed with the irrigation experiments on the area reserved for this purpose at Galloway, in Central Otago. The land lias been fenced, and some work has been done. F’urther expenditure lias now been sanctioned by the Government, and the Minister is in a position to carry out tin' experiments to c ce what can bo done by irrigation. PEDICREE JERSEYS. DUNEDIN MAN’S PURCHASE. NEW PLYMOUTH. June 17. Ain important sale of pedigree Jersey cattle which took place at New Plymouth was attended by Jersey breeders from all parts of the dominion, one enthusiastic buver being Dr Pick:rill, of Dunedin, who paid 151 gs for a 2'9-month-old heifer, Hally Oaks; I33gs for a two-year-old heifer. Royal Oaks Lady, and 108<rs for a two-months heifer. Holly Oaks Tiny. Another outstanding purchase was that of Bilver Buttercup, a two-vear-old. by Messrs H. Sutton and’ Co.. Longbush, Carterton, for 251 gs. The same buyers secured a 20-month-old heifer. Dolly Oaks Pretty, for 137 gs. \s an evidence cf the high \n’ue placed upon tlnse pedigree Jersey cattle, which had bec-n offered'by two or three vendors, the total sum of 4201 gs was realised, one vendor’s penning of heifers averaging 112J)gs. This very high average is ail evidence of the confidence of breeders in the future of the dairy industry. BUTTER AND CHEESE. Messrs Joseph Nathan and Co. (Wellington) rcjrort under date June 13: —- Our London house cable under date June 10: “New Zealand Government butter 19‘2s, Australian 170 s, Argentine 1525. Owing to tho pood Continental demand Danish is firm from 200 s to 2J(is 3d.” We have received instructions from one of our Taranaki clients to cut down their weekly order by 50 per cent., the reason given being that their trade has fallen off owing to butter from the Pa tea fire being sold in the district. To use their own worde: “Everyone in town seems to have bought a box from the Patea fire. The secretary of several cheese, factories in the South Island writes: "As the cheese market was nd looking promising, we started separating and sidling cream for butter making.” As von know, the South Island is usually a great outlet for stored winter lint ter from the North Island, and the fact of the cheese fa, tories starting separating will mean more butter, consequently smaller demand from the North Island. It appears nt this stage almost, inevitable that any butter made in August may have to be stored for shipment. An improvement in the quality of butter on the market is noticeable. It is felt that perhaps some butter lias been held rather longer than usual before going into consumption. Sometimes the want of railway facilities lor consigning small lots aie not as good as might be wished.

Cheese. New Zealand white is quoted at 108 s to IIO3; coloured, 100 s to 106 s; Canadian on spot. 963 io 100 s; to arrive, 88s to 85s. London cables that the prices for New Zealand are largely influenced by the prices for Canadian quoted above. Prior to the war Canadian used to bring a few shill tigs more than New Zealand, and perhaps cur prices will fall until prices of Canadian cheese and New Zealand cheese are reasonably stabilised. Perhaps the low price for Canadian is due to their making all coloured. Tills shows the mistake that can be made by overdoing the manufacture of coloured cheese or unealted butter when the normal demand is much greater for white cheese and salted butter than it is for the other manufactures. Freight bookings for cheese are notified as follow: —Mahia—3300 'Wellington, 7000 New Plymouth. Whnkatane—lsoo Pa tea.. Surrey, 18th—11,200 Wellington. Kaikoura, 13tli—8X)0 Wellington. Tairoa, 28th—12,000 New Plymouth, 1600 Wellington. Port Napier, July .3 2000 Wanganui, 3500 Wellington. Port Kembla —6000 Pa tea, 2000 Wellington. THE NORTH ISLAND. (Thom Our Own Correspondent.) No one would dream that we were pasing through a winter season, the weather is so mild. Just occasionally there have boon a few frosts, but sunny days have followed, >ind the week just ended, well, it was so warm that eiderdown- had to he dispensed with at nights. The season is really remarkable in that respect, and there is no cessation of growth. Grass appears to lie carrying on well, and a run round Wanganui, Arona, and Manawatu districts indicates that the feed for this time of tile year is much better than it has been for many seasons. .Stock is looking fairly well, and on general appearances, not a cattle and sheep will winter well, provided, of course, there are no abnormal conditions before spring comes along. Dairying is not carried on very extensively just now, though a few factories are still working half and third time on winter supplies. This is usually the dairyman’s vacation, when he is not usually looking for work, but I understand that a number of niilkets arc making arrangements whereby a certain number of cows will come in for the winter in future, in cider that increased payments for winter dairying may bo secures!. In the Hawke’s Bay district there have been light showers with occasional frosts, and creeks that have been dry for months are beginning to carry water {igain, showing that the springs in tlio back country are rising. Farmers are making Ihe l>est of their opportuity whenever the days are bright to get their stacks cut into chaff in case wet weather of a lasting nature sets in. r l lie hardness of tlie ground retards ploughing operations, and what i- required is a thoroughly good soaking rainfall extending oYer a few days. THE MARKETS. Inquiry to to show that in the Wellington province the fat sheen and cattle markets have hardened, the improved feed conditions having removed a good deal of anxiety as to whether t.lie pastures would Jiang out, whilst greener paddocks are being reflected in the condition of stock, good forward stores giving promise of developing into fats. 'There is a greater demand for good quality forward store cattle, whilst in the sheep industry there is keen

inquiry for sound ewes in lamb to blackfaced rams. FRI ESI A N DE VELOPME N T. The president of the New Zealand Friesian Association has received a very interesting letter from Professor Wing, of the Cornell University, who visited New Zealand last year. The professor has a good deal to say concerning American cattle, and he admits that the type had been neglected too much in favour cf production, and that many faults in the shape had been condoned. He pointed out that after 20 years of talking to farmers, setting out the advantages of herd testing, lie was forced to admit that he had made very little progress. Even where they provided officials to do the weighing and sampling for the farmer the advance was unsatis factory. The average production per cow in tho Now York State was a little lower than in New Zealand, being about lEOlb of fcuttcr-fat per cow. One item in the letter will doubtless be stored up by dairymen. Professor Wing referred to abortion in cows, and h:> pointed out that from, his experience carbonate of soda, or better still, carbonate of potash used with a mild disinfectant previous to service had been effective. AN FACT COAST PORT. Tho directors of the East Coast Freezing Company have been discussing the possibilities of Whakatane as a grading port. Borne of the dairy companies, it was stated at a meeting, had suffered distinct losses by the deterioration of produce through there being no grading port there. They could not guarantee the minimum of 1500 tons required by the Government, and yet that amount would probably be exceeded. The cost of erecting the store and auxiliary plant would be £2©&o. the cost to be borne by the companies in proportion to their output. The matter was eventually deferred for further consideration in order that the companies might definitely deckle what action they would bo taking towards consummating the proposal, STUD BREEDING. A member of the Wanganui Agricultural Association was in a prophetic mood at a meeting of that body on Wednesday last. One member declared that it was not worth while looking at show sheep at the present time, but Mr Blair took an opposite view, and he pointed out, that Britain was the stud home of the north, and the time would come when New Zealand would become the stud breeding ground of the Southern Hemisphere. He maintained that the man who stuck to stud breeding through thick and thin would be the man who would come out on top. FARMERS AND POLITICS. Mr A. A Ross, president, of the Auckland provincial branch of the Farmers’ j Union cannot see that the formation of a fanners political party would affect the. activities of the union, nr Ire the means of j smashing up the organisation, as is coni tested by southerners, would happen if | Auckland got its way. At a meeting held a 1 few days ago in Auckland, be criticised tho action of the Dominion Conference turning down the proposal, and said that there was an impression amony members that tho union was altogether barred from politics. Ho maintained that this was quite a mistake, as in the book of objects, rules and platform of the union, it wan clearly set down that one of the objects was to secure proper representation of farmers’ interests

in Parliament. It would be, he said, the duty of the new executive to ascertain if members of the union still held the same views, and, if so, to take the necessary steps to carry the decision into effect in the Auckland province. He was sure that other provinces would follow, and that as a result they would find in a few years the New Zealand farmers raking the same position in national affairs as they had done in other parts of the Empire with great benefit to themselves and to the whole community. JOHN SON VILL E SALES RESUMED. Johnsonville stock sales were resumed on Tuesday last after a lapse of live or six years, and they will no boubt be’thoroughly appreciated in future by tho farmers and butchers of the Wellington province. The quality of sheep and cattle offered were first class, and fair prices were realised, the demand for sheep being much keener than for cattle. The first offering was a small line of extra prime woolly two-tooths, and they were quickly quitted at 30s. Throe pens of prime wethers, fresh from nine weeks on the turnips, brought 20s 9d, 19s 9d, and 20s 3d, on that order. Thirty ewes from the Bruce-E-state were next offered, j Bidding started at 14s, and the lot were quitted at 17s 4d. A line of 150 wethers realised 225, 21s 6d, and 21s od. Bidding was spirited for the few lots of lambs offering, and they were quickly snapped up, the highest price paid, being 20s 10d. A pen of store lambs fetched 5s 6d. The cattle mostly came from Rangioto, and competition was largely confined to a few buyers. Most of them were quitted at between £l2 and £l3 11s. but two pens of prime Polled Angus readily brought £l3 15s. Top price went to two tine pens of blacks that realised £l4 ss. MILK TESTING. During his visit to Taranaki Mr Nosworthy, Minister of Agriculture, was waited on by a deputation from the Freisian Breeders’ Association, headed by Mr Marchant, who pointed out (hat it was the desire of the association to have tho dairy industry placed on a more equitable basis as regards the methods of testing for solids or butter-fat in milk supplied to the dairy factories. In the present- method of testing only for butter-fat, the farmers with hightesting herds reaped the benefit at the expense of those with low-testing herds. It had been contended, said Mr Marchant, that there was as yet no reliable method of testing for solids, but they had it. on the authority of the general manager of the Joseph Nathan and Co.. Ltd., that at ■ that firm’s Palmerston North laboratory a | reliable method was in operation. What | the association desired, and he also spoke 1 for the Shorthorn and Ayrshire Breeders’ Association, was that, the Government should set up a laboratory in Taranaki, or elsewhere, where scientific experiments could lie carried out. especially in relation to the equitable testing of milk. The Minister promised to go into the whole matter when be returned to Wellington, and be assured the deputation that he would give tho question every consideration. | CANTERBURY CRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKET. (Lyttelton Times, June 17.) Very little change has taken place in the grain and produce market this week except

that in several lines a brighter tone is evident. Garton oats remained firm at late rates, but business eased off a bit during the week. A few sales with London have been made and these are helping to keep the market going and to maintain the prices. Should trie demand from London diminish there will probably be a reduction in prices here. There is very little doing in Algerians, which are in over supply. Chaif maintains recent values but the amount of business being done is not large. Practically no chaff is being shipped from Canterbury, most sales being local. The recent advance in the price of linseed has been maintained, but some merchants doubt whether the increased prices will rule for long. A lot depends on the willingness of Australia to pay the present prices and the state of the Indian market. The seed market has brightened up somewhat of late. lousiness has been done in ryegrass in anticipation of the spring trade and prices have hardened. Sales have also been made recently in clover, which was practically lifeless a while ago. Partridge peas have been almost cleaned up, and merchants are finding a difficulty in securing any. A more hopeful feeling with regard to potatoes was apparent during the week. A few sales were made with the north, and Auckland inquired more freely. Yesterday morning one Auckland firm offered £3 15s per ton, f.0.b., s.i., which is equal to £2 15s per ton on trucks at country stations. Farmers will not sell at. this price, but when stocks begin to get low Auckland will have to offer more. Indeed, northern offers showed an increasing tendency this week, and it is practically certain that the market will improve considerably soon. The onion market was almost dead during the week. Merchants are not very keen to buy Canterbury onions because of their poor quality. 'I he following are quotations for produce, to be paid to farmers at country stations, free of commission, sacks extra, except where otherwise stated: — Milling Wheat. —According to Government prices; Tuscan, 7s 7£d, f.0.b.,; Hunters, 7s 10|-d; Pearl. 3s l^d. Oats.—“A” Gartons, 2s 9d to 2s lOd; “B” Gartons, 2s 8d to 2s 9d; Algerians, 2s to ,2s 3d. Chaff.—£3 15s to £4. Perennial Ryegrass.—2s 9d to 3s sd. Italian Ryegrass.—2s 9cl to 3s 3d. Cocksfoot. —sid to 6jd. Barley.—3s to 3s 3d. ' Cape Barley.—2s 6d. lied Clover.—sd to 7cl. White Clover.—9d to 3s 3d. Potatoes. —£210 s to £3 (nominal). Onions.—£3 (nominal). Peas. —Partridge, 6s. Linseed.—£ls to £l6. Flour.—According to Government price : £2l per ton f.0.b., Lyttelton, Timoru, and Oamaru. Bran —According to Government nrfcc: £6 to £6 10s per ton, according to parking, f.0.b., southern ports. Pollard ■ —According to Government piice: £9 to £9 10s, according to packing, f.0.b., southern ports. LONDON WOOL -SALES. SERIES CLOSE WITH SLIGHTLY IMPROVED TONE, (From Our Special Correspondent.) BRADFORD, April 21. The third series of London sales having closed, it is possible to form a fairly accurate idea of the state of the wool market, and the slight improvement that took place towards tfco finish has created general satisfaction. (there is a feeling abroad that values have about touched the bottom, and it is generally believed that but for the industrial disturbance trade would improve and values would begin to move to a higher basis. Perhaps there is nothing very definite to justify increased values, but after the experience of the past six month, during which time everything has been celling at below cost, the majority feel that the- least improvement in trade would lift prices for merino wool and tops to a higher plane. Bradford has been by far the cheapest market in the world, the price at which business lias been done in tops never being warranted by the state of the raw material market, notwithstanding that wool has been selling at such extremely reasonable rates in London, Australia and South Africa. One -large firm in Bradford has gone into the cost of wool production, and is convinced that crossbreds should be at least 6d tier lb dearer to put them on a paying basis for the grower. It can be taken for granted that Australian and New Zealand growers are having to face increased costs just the same as users in this country. Whereas in prewar times it cost an Australian squatter something like 6d per lb to produce wool, it can be safely said that to-day’s cost will be 2d per lb. Even orossbied wooi will cost as much as that, and yet coarse qualities are selling in New Zealand as low as 3d to 4d per lb, and around 7d in London. Buenos Aires crossbred wool of 40’s quality has been offered clean, scoured in Bradford during the past week at 6d per lb, and Some, say, even less. This wool could not have been grown at. double the price, hence there is no wonder that many South American estancia holders frankly state that they will not continue to keep sheep, but intend to go in largely for the production of grain. It can bo taken for granted that when sheep farming ceases to be profitable, the number of sheep in the wool-growing countries of the world will, decrease considerably. GERMANY’S ACT IVIT Y. The slight increase in prices paid in London was partly duo to the comparatively small quantity of wool offered. The withdrawal ( f all tho wool intended to be offered by the British Australian Wool Realisation Association (amounting to about 16,000 bales), along with the possibility of all transit facilities being suspended in consequence of the railway men coming out on strike in sympathy- with the miners, resulted in the sales being considerably curtailed, and no doubt also in a quick decision being made to cover urgent requirements. Germany especially seemed keen to buy, but the comparative inactivity of the Home trade showed clearly enough that the state of the West Riding industry is not encouraging. When mills are running mostly 13 to 24 hours per week, consumption cannot be otherwise than exceedingly small, tho general disposition of topmakers and spinners being to leave things alone until the outlook becomes clearer. There is considerable financial stringency, and the majority of firms in this country are more concerned about liquidating stocks and getting round money Khan increasing their financial responsibility. Germany, however, bought liber-

ally, even purchasing a fair weight of greasy crossbreds, much to the surprise of everyone. One infers front this that German manufacturers are able to find n market for their goods; in fact, there is increasing evidence that they are covering their old markets fairly well. Being able to offer fabrics 25 per cent, cheaper than their English competitors means that they are getting the business, and under present circu>rntance3 will continue to do so. CLEAN SCOURED COSTS. Wool lets now become very cheap, and orj wonders v.-hy crossbred cloths do not soil hotter when the raw material suitable for making them can be bought at a clean ao::t of 9(1 to lid per lb. s>-As of this class of raw materia! suit; sills: f-ir cither the woollen or tile worsted •adistrv art* simply “going begging.” It s$ twelve months ago stnee wool prices r r .*vd.ii the 1 iphest y»(iint, and the following table. compiled front particulars supplied by Mr I ewis Eordham, shows the Values ruling for h.nling dceeriptions of V'*e»i at i:.e April. 1 .fi) \ seiies, and at tiio anoions which closed last week:

THE BREADSTt IFS K\ il PRODUCE HA UK STS. Friday Evening. According to a cable message received by Bindley Walker Co-operative Wheat Company, Limited (Melbourne), from its agent in Liverpool, the price of Australian wheat was quoted at 75s per quarter at the end of May, while flour. MLay-June delivery, was quoted at 60s 6d. It is stated that the reports from the United States respecting the winter wheat are better in tone, and that those respecting the outlook for spring wheat are good. European prospects promise well. The surplus

remaining in the Argentine is advised at being 80,000,000 bushels. Prospects of the wheat crops to be garnered in the northern hemisphere this season

were about mid-April described as maintained, but in the United States and Canada the weather has been less favourable. There the wintry weather, which did not come in the winter months, appeared in the spring, but the stormy conditions caused little damage. The price of United States wheat had fallen, but the passing of the Emergency Tariff Bill had caused quotations to react. The effect of the Bill would be felt principally by Canada, but more strong wheat would be available for Europe. It is understood that the Emergency Bill was to operate for three months only, its object being lo help the agricultural industry. In the meantime. the United States would lose the custom of foreign buyers to the extent represented by its former imports from Canada. LOCAL MARKETS. Milling Wheat. —According to Government prices: Tuscan 7s f 0.b., Hunters 7s 10ld, Pearl 8s ljd. There is nothing of moment to report regarding the wheat market. Few samples of milling are coming to hand, and all lots on offer are readily taken up at the Government prices. Fowl wheat continues slow of sale, as poultry keepers are disinclined to pay the high prices ruling. Millers’ prices are ns follow: —Flour, £2l 10s per ton; 100’s, £23; 50’s, £23 10s; 25’s, t‘2i. Bran, £7 per ton. Pollard, £lO. Pearl barlev, £22. Oatmeal, 200’s, £2O; other quantities'. £2l. The oat market has weakened a little since the beginning of the week. Sales have been made at 3s Bd, f.0.b.5.i., for A Gartons, and |ld per bushel less for B’s. Offerings from I the country are on the light side, and farmers are holding out for 3s on trucks, sacks extra, country sidings. The amount of business that is passing is not very great. Retailers’ purchases of oats in Melbourne I are small, and milling demands also arc limited. Sellers predominate, and the market is -somewhat weak. Milling are quoted at 2s Gd, good feed 2s 4d to 2s 41d, and medium down to 2s 3d. PRODUCE MARKET. The chaff market lias eased during the week. Fair supplies have come forward, and good quality is worth round about £4 15s, ex truck, Dunedin, sacks extra. Medium : quality is worth £4 to £1 10s. There is quite i RufUc’ent on hand to meet lhc demand, i The market is over-supplied with, potatoes. Prices for sound quality range from £4 10s to £4 15s, ex trucks, Dunedin, Backs included. Pressed chaw is in fair supply. The market has eased slightly, merchants having purchased sufficient to meet their present requirements. Wlieaten is worth £3, and oaten a little more, ex truck, Dunedin.

The market is ever-supplied with eggs, and prices have dropped 6d a dozen during the week. Canterbury onions have eased in price. Margarine is now quoted at 11 cl per lb. Current wholesale prices are as follow: Chaff: Sound oaten sheaf, £4 15s; medium and light. .£3 103 to £4. Potatoes: Prime quality, £1 15s; extra quality, to £5. Eggs: Stamped, 2s; preserved, Is Cd. Dairy butter: Pats, Is lid; milled, Is lid. Onions: Canterbury, £5 103 per ton; Melbourne, £9 per ton. Margarine, lid per lb. Bacon: Rolls, Is id per lb; sides, Is 2Jcl. Hams, Is sd. FRUIT REPORT. Business has been brisk in the fruit marts during the week, and all lines of prime produce have been readily sold. Stocks of second-grade and inferior fruit have also been greatly reduced. The glut in pears has now practically finished, and really first-grade samples of desserts are inquired for. Sales have been made cf fairly large lines of cooking and dessert apples, and the demand continues keen. There is 0 keen demand lor Stunners for forward delivery, but reports state that supplies of this variety are short in Canterbury this year. Lord Wclseleys are also being inquired for. but so far not many have reached the market. A small shipment cf mandarins and Seville, oranges arrived from Sydney to-day (Friday) and were quickly disposed of. A shipment of oranges and bananas, ex the Mamma, is expected to arrive next week. Some new season's tomatoes from Rarotonga are also reported by the same steamer. A small lot of green peas, grown at Pine Hill, was sold on tho market to-day at 6Vd per lb. Choice cauliflowers are in strong demand, and some extra fine heads brought 15s per dozen. Good cabbage Iras a fair inquiry, but inferior arc practically unsaleable. Current wholesale prices are as follow: Apples: Dessert Jonathans, 9s to 10s; Scarlet Pearmain, 10s; extra choice, to 12s 6d; Stunner, 10s to 11s; Delicious, Its to 16s; Cleopatra, to- 10s; cookers, 7s to 8s 6:1 for choice; medium, 5s to Cs; email, 3s to 4s. Lemons: Californian, 40s to 42s 6d; Adelaide, 20s to 255. Tomatoes: Christchurch, best, to std; medium, 2d to 3d; green, l)d to lid; local hothouse, Is 2d to Is 4d. Grapes, Is to 2s 3d; extra choice, to 3s per 11). Pears: Extra choice Winter Nells and Coles, ljrl to 2td ; others. Is to 3s per halfcase ; medium and inferior, unsaleable Tree tomatoes, 5s to 7s. Passion fruit: Market bare. Table carrots, Is per dozen bun dles; 5s 6d to 6s per cwt.

Potatoes: Sacks, 6s per cwt. . 1 Oranges: American, 40s to 42s 6J; Ade- I laide, 20s to 535; navels, 21s to 245; Sevilles, | 19s to 225; mandarins, to 235. Parsnips, Is per dozen bunches; sacks, 5s to 7s. Beet, Is per dozen bunches. Cabbages: Best, to 5s per dozen; medium, ; Is Od to 2s per sack; prime, 4s to 6s per j sack. Cauliflower's: Choice. 9s to 14s per dozen; ! medium, 6s “to 9s per dozen ; sacks, to 13s. I Lettuce, Is Cd to 2s per case. Spring onions, 3d per bundle. Celery, 6d to Sd per bundle; choice, lOd i to Is. Spinach, Is to 2s per dozen bundles. MERCHANDISE MARKET. Oatina is now quoted at 19s per dozen hags, an advance of Is per dozen. Hudson’s soap powder shows a slight increase in price. The current quotation for vermicelli is 8s 6d per dozen packets. ! Tame’s stains and lacquer are now being 1 quoted at 13s per dozen bottles. Hinton’s raspberry jam is available as follows—2lb jars 29s per dozen, lib tins 11s. 21b tins 21s 6J. There has been a sharp advance in the pries of linseed, following'on the fact that buyers from Australia are operating. The local quotation is 23s per cwt for whole and ! 24s 6d for crushed. Merchants are unable to purchase further supplies of new season's Mildura sultanas, .and the price for any lots available is firm at Is 2d per lb. Euthymol t/iotli paste is quoted at 15s per dozen for gross lots and 16s for less. Havelock tobacco, dark, is not very plentiful—in fact, many of the merchants are out of stocks GGMMERGSAL CABLEGRAMS. BANK OF ENGLAND RETUB NS. LONDON, June 16. Thfl Bunk of Kngmnrl returns for Ihe week ended June 16 afford the following comparison witn those of the previous week: — .Juno 0. Juno 16. Coin and bullion £126,545,000 £126.546,000

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES. LONDON, June IG. The foreign exchange rates on London afford the following comparison;—

GOVERNMENT SECITRITTES. LONDON, Juno 16. The following nre tho latest quotations for Government securities, with a comparison with those ruling last week : Last week. This week.

WHEAT PRICES. LONDON", June 13. j The Government Ileus advanced the price ; of wheat a shilling. Australian f.a.q. remains at 775. LONDON MARKETS. LONDON, June 13. Copper: Spot, £73 3s 9d; foiward, £73 8s 9d. Lead: Spot, £22 10s; forward, £22. Spelter: Spot, £27 ss; forward, £2B. Tin: Spot, £167 2s 6 c!; forward, £169 7s Gd. Silver, 2s 117 cl per cz. June 16. I Tallow: 1801 casks sold; prices unchanged. Waihi shares: Buyers ‘2Bs 9d, sellers 31s 3d. Copper: Spot, £72 13s 9d; forward, £72 IBs 9d. Lead: Spot, £22 ss: forward, £22. Spelter: Spot, £26 ss; forward, £27 10s. Tin: Spot, £l7O 7s 6d ; forward, £172 17s Gd. Silver, 2s 10gd per oz. J nne 18. Talisman: Buyers 6s 3d, sellers 6s 4d. Cotton: The Liverpool quotation for American middling upland, July delivery, is 7.81 d. Rubber: Fine bard Para, lid per lb; plantation, first latex crepe, B£d; smoked ribbed sheet, 7,id. Jute: June-3uly shipment, £25 10s. Hemp: June-August, £3B. Copra: June-August shipment, £27 10s. I.inseod oil, £35 per ton (equal to 2s llld ! per gallon. Turpentine, 81s per cwt (equal to 6s lid | per gallon). BUTTER AND CHEESE. LONDON, June 16. Following the Government’s reduction in ' the selling price of butter by 4s for New j Zealand and 10s for Australian, the demand I has improved. New Zealand is selling et 194 sto 198 s, Australian 172 s to 1765, and Danish 2045. If the present dry conditions continue for a fortnight, the English and : Continental outputs are likely to be greatly restricted. Heavy arrivals of New Zealand and Canadian cheese caused importers to lower their j prices. New Zealand coloured is quoted at j 96s to 109 s, white 100 s to 101 s, Canadian 94s | to 100 s. A better trade is being done at the j reduced prices. NEW ZEALAND FRUIT. WELLINGTON, June 13. The New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation 1 advises receipt of the following cable mes- i sage, dated June 12, advising tbo sale of : the Athenic fruit at Hull: —Apples, 22s to \ 325; bulk av. raging 255. Clcos realised 2ls 1 to 325, and defective apples realised 10s lo : 18s. Pears sold up to ])s Id per half-case, j according to condition. Many of them were j m poor condition.

1 NATIONAL MORTGAGE. „ LONDON, June 18. 4he National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand has declared a dividend , of 7} per cent., tax free.AMERICAX TARIFF. | WASHINGTON, June 15. | lhc Lays and Means Committee is forj mutating a new Permanent Tariff Bill. It i has abandoned the method of constructing a j rate scale on the basis of greasy wool. In j the new tariff the base rate will he lib of : scoured wool, whereon the committee has agreed lo a rats of 25 cents per lb. All other rates will Ire ;n ratio from that figure. Ihe old rate was 11 cents pr lb for greasy wool ami 22 cents for scoured. AUSTRALIAN WHEAT. MELBOURNE, June 14. The Wheat Commission has extended tho : current quotation lor wheat for flour exi P<nted to tlis East Pacific and New Zealand to August. AUSTRALIAN MARKETS. , MELBOURNE, June 17. . The hide market is firm. All good-condi-tioned hides and kips show }d advance. Other grades are unaltered. ! Barley: English, 4s 3d to 4s sd; Cpae, 3s 4d to 3s sd. Oats, 2s 4d to 2s 6d. Potatoes, £4 to £5. Onions, £2 to £2 15s. | „ SYDNEY, June 16. Oats: Algerian feed, 3s 4d; white, 3s 6d. Maize: Yellow, 4s Gd; white, 4s 3d. I otatoes : Tasmanian, £6- to £B. Onions: Victorian, £3 to £7 „ . ADELAIDE, June 16. Oats: 2s 3d, 2s 4d. THE WOOL MARKET. LONDON WOOL SALES. . , LONDON, June 13. At tho wool sales there was a poor sclection, ■and compel it ion was scarcely so brisk. Quotations generally wore unchanged. New Zealand J.G.G., 10M and lOd. Bradford showed a better inquiry for tops. Quotations were unchanged. “ BAWRA ” WOOD SALE. LONDON, June 14. At the “Bawra” wool sale an average selection of merinos was offered, and also a few super, merinos. Prices were very well maintained, except for scoured**, which were slightly irregular. Prices were unchanged. Practically everything was sold. June IG. At the ‘‘Bawra” wool sale there was a good selection of merinos, mostly Western Australian and Queensland. Competition was quite equal to that of lust week. All the prices were well maintained. Large offerings of crossbreds were sold to the Homo trade at late rates. of Ilome-grown wools commenced at piss, Norfolk. There was a tremendous drop in values. I lie best price realised was for ! Suffolk new, which brought 13£d, compared to the highest lust year, which was 50d. Prices for line wool generally were from Hd to 3d below those of 1314. Strong, deep wools were 6d below. At the “Bawra” wool sale Continental sorts and merinos met with good competition. Prices were unchanged. Fine crossbreds sold well to the Home trade and tlio Continent. Medium and low qualities were irregular, and were le&3 in demand, prices be ;ng slightly in buyers’ lavour. June IS. At the wool sale there was an average selection of merinos. Fine Continental sorts were firm, and Yorkshire combing sorts were slightly easier. Fine crossbreds were unchanged, and medium and low were easier. The wool sales closed firm. German and other Continental centres competed very strongly throughout. Yorkshire buyers were • more reserved. Thu opening prices for merinos were well maintained. Finest sorts | closed with rather less competition, but , medium combings, ail pieces and bellies, I closed at the strongest level of the series, ■ generally showing 10 per cent, advance on 1 Die May prices. All sorts of crossbreds ! met with greatly improved demand throughj out, fine grades el.sing about per cent. J above May rates. Medium and lower grades j were about May parity, the latter hardly ! maintaining the highest point of the epenj ing week. AUSTRALIAN WOOL SALES. SYDNEY, June 13. The wool sales were continued. Competition was keen for all classes. Late rate® were maintained. June 15. At the wool sales tho quality was good, and competition was keen, late rates being maintained June 16. The wool sales were continued to-day. | There was an exceptionally keen demand for ' sup or fines, and values were very firm. (1 reasy me ri no comb i n gs rea 1 i sed 33 \ d MELBOURNE, June 18. The following are the dates for the aucj tions fixed by the wool brokers: —Melbourne, ! July 4, 5. 11, 12, 13, 14; Geelong, July G anti | 7; Adelaide, July 22. The Sydney elates have not yet been decided. TIMARU WOOL SALE. TIMAUU, June 15. At the fourth wool sale to-day 4585 bales were submitted, much of it dusty and heavy-conditioned. Compared with the recent Christchurch sale, halffcred, threequarterlrcd, and crossbred shewed practically no alteration, whilst inferior to medium merino, and pieces of all sorts, showed a decided advance. Bidding by a full bench of buyers was spirited, and 90 j per cent, of the catalogue was sold under tho hammer. Following is the range of prices: Halfbred, super, 1 Ocl to 12d. Medium, Sid to 9id. Inferior, 6id to B£d. Three-quarter bred, super., 6£d i o 7£d; medium, 51d to Gid; inferior, 4d to sd. i Crossbred, super., 5Jd to Gtd; medium, 4£d j to fid ; inferior, 3 1 to Id. . Merino, super.. 101 ■ > 12d; medium, 8d to 9|?d ; inferior, 6.U1 to 7?d. Scoured merino fleece, 16d to 19|d. Halfbred, 12d to 14d. Pieces, fine, 3d fo fiid; coarse, 2*d to 4cL Merino, old to 7id PRIVATE ADVICES. • Messrs Dalgefv and Co. (Limited) report havin'- received the following cable fro mi ; their head office, dated London, June 14, 1921:- “ Wcol sales continue active, and prices well sustained, except crossbred wools of medium and coarse qualities, for which prices are irregular; crossbred wools not quite so firm. Dalgely and Co. report having received the | following cable from London, dated June i 10: —“Butter quiet and inclined fo lo lower; i Danish, 198 s; New Zealand, 191 s to 1965; i Australian. 162 s to 1745. Cheese weak and I tending downwards; New Zealand coloured, j lots to 108 s; white, 108 s to 110 s. Wool. —The next public sales will take I place on July 12. The list of arrivals closed

May 23. Following ships are in time: Charon, Pakcha, V/aiwera, Cyclops, Dorset, Devon, Kumara, Medic, Gorgon, Zcaland'.c, Australpool. The maximum to be offered is 160,000 bales, including 8000 bales Punt a Arenas, 16-00 bales Cape (South Africa). This makes the quantity for free Australasian to be offered 75,000. Messrs R. Allow and Company (Limited) advise receipt of a cable from L. C. Ballantyne and Co., London, that the Government spot prices for New Zealand frozen meat, ex store, have been reduced as follows:—Prime ewes, U/72, s|d; prime owes, 0/72, 4£d; prime mutton, U/72, 8d; prime mutton, 0/72, 6£d; prime lamb, Is. SOUTHLAND MARKET REPORT. (From Our Own Correspondent i INVERCARGHLL, June 18. Oats.—There is a distinctly better tone about the oat market, due largely to the reported arrival of oats from Australia and the North Island, also to the fact that northern merchants are offering oats at distinctly less than local parity. Merchants are not by any moans such keen buyers as during the preceding fortnight, and it is doubtful to-day if A Gart-ons would find buyers at 2s lOd on trucks, sacks extra. The bulk of merchants’ requirements for seed purpose's have now been secured. F.o.b. equivalent to the above prices is 3s Bd, sacks in, these figures making no provision for profit on the turnover, and it seems that prices will recede still further. Chaff.—The business passing is purely for local requirements, and for extra prime lots £4 per ton on trucks at country sidings lias been paid, but this is rather above the actuai market value, merchants being willing to pay these prices only under exceptional circumstances, caused by shortage of supplies -or having a buyer’s order to execute. Ryegrass.—Recent lates are well maintained, about as high as 3s 3d per bushel having been paid for one or two exceptionally well dressed heavy lines from the mill. The northern demand at this price has somewhat slackened during the week. Italian ryegrass commands a higher rate than perennials, and little of this so far has been offered by growers. THE OAMARU MARKETS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) OAMAIvU, June 18. The chief topic amongst those associated with the markets this week has been the change in the weather. After a long stretch of destructive dryness rain set in on Sunday afternoon, and, although not continuous, lias endured until to-day. Altogether a little over 2£in of rainfall was recorded in Oamaru, and the rain was very well distributed over the whole county. Of course, the badlyneeded moisture came far too late to benefit feed and produce any effect upon the stock market. Its good is prospective rather than present, and will be found in an extension of the area under wheat for next year’s harvest. Much of tho wheat sown in the autumn still lies in tho ground as it was scattered, and th? rain will enable the dormant seed to germinate. But the greatest good of the rain is that it will put the lea land into a ploughable state, and thus enable field operations that have hitherto b:tn impossible to be carried out. All going well, an increased area will certainly bo put under wheat this year. Another topic in the grain market is the evident shortage of wheat, which has caused Borne surprise in circles that should have been better informed, and led to wheat being taken for milling purposes that was previously looked at askance. In that category may ho placed a line cf 700 sacks of the Sensation variety which changed hands during the week. Outside of this a fair number of lines ranging from 350 sacks downwards came on the market. Oate ile a further slight movetaer>' there has been an increased amount of 1 usiness j assing. A. couple of lines of good heavy milling Cartons v.er> taken at id net at country stations, while A gr: <!e Gar tons changed bands at :$s net delivered in Oamaru, and Sb lid and 3s net at <• tinfry stations the higher figure being the pr-ent quotation. For B’s. 2s Oct net delivered and 2? lOd net on truck- have been given, the top money being for heavy samples. Oidin ary fwl Algerians have been dealt in ar 2s 3d, and heavy samples at 2s Gd, both lict at country stations. Several transactions in Malting barley are reported at from 3s 3d up to 3s Gd net at eountiy sda*iors, according to sample arid railage distance.

A line of linseed was secured at a country station at £ll, an advance of £2 on tho price paid last week. There 13 nothing doing in potatoes, but a little more inquiry is reported. Some business has been done in oaten sheaf chaff at from £4 5s to £4 15s net on trucks, according to sample. KAB BITS Ki X SALE.. The following stc-ck and station agents, Dalgety and Go., Otago Farmers, Donald Reid and Co., Loan and Mercantile, Stronach, Morris, and Co., Wright, Stephenson, and Co., National Mortgage Company, Todd Bros, and Co., held their usual fortnightly rabbitskin sale before a full attendance of buyers, when the better-class skins showed an advance of from Sd to Gd per lb on last sale rates. We quote:—Hun tiers and suckers, 2d to 3d; summers, 8d to 9£d; light racks, Sd to 10d; prime racks, lid to 13d; early autumns, 20d to 2Gd; autumns, 28d to 32d; incoming winters, 40d to 45d; early winters, 45d to 50d; prime winter dees, 63d to GBd; prime winter bucks, 55d to GOd; first winter docs, 55d to GOd; first winter bucks, 48d to 50d; mid-winter, 40d to 4Sd; prime winter black, 75d to SOd; first winter blacks, 65d to 70d; incoming black, lOd to 50d; winter fawns, 24d to 27d. WELLINGTON FRUIT MARKET. WELLINGTON, June 13. Tho local fruit market is being replenished by the Manuka, which arrived this morning from Sydney with 845 cases of fruit, consisting mostly of oranges and mandarins. The vessel also brought 263 cases for Lyttelton. PROPERTY SALE. Messrs Alex. Harris and C’o. offered for eale by auction at their rooms on tile 14th, 17 sections at Tomahawk. There was a record attendance of buyers, and bidding was spirited, every section being sold. The following are the prices obtained:— Lot ], £9O, D. Dimford; Lot 2, £26, R Clark; Lot 3,’ £29, J. Dawson; Lot 4, £29, Mrs Fox; Lot 5, £3O, R. Wakelanol; Lot 6, £3l, J. Anderson, as agent; Lot 7, £3O, J. Robb; Lot 8, £35, J Bay ley; Lot 9, £32, R. Goughian; Lot 10, £3O, A. Moore; Lot 11, £3O, A. Moore; Lot 12, £ll, J. Robb; Lot 13, £ls, A. Idour; Lot 14 £l4, E. Anthony; Lot 15, £l.B, D. Dunfcrd; Lot 16, £l4, E. Dun ford; Lot 17, £27, D. Dunford. SALE OF LEASES. Messrs Park, Reynolds (Limited) report having offered by auction the following Otago Harbour Board leases of sections: Section 22, block LY, Dunedin, at present occupied by J. Wilkie and Co. (Limited); section 12, block LXY, Dunedin at present occupied by tenants of George Williamson; store site No. 1, Beach street. Port Chalmers, at present occupied by Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited); store site N ! ■ ■ 2, Beach street. Port Chalmers, at present occupied by John Mill and Co. (Ltd.). The sections were all purchased at the outset by the present lessees.

f £ cr ~ Cloth ir j and 5 Spinnoru S 2. Stylish " Free wool. rt v . Combing w S' Wools. r a. § 5 Topmakcra’ • c f Selections. ro 8 Clothing and i Spinners’ P-gU Stylish ■ ' Free wool. S' Combing §■ Wools. jc 2. Topmakors’ • Selections.

80a 165 150 43 40 70'a 160 142 3G 26 64’3 143 13<> 28 25 CO’a 130 115 24 21 68's 108 05 21h l 66'a 87 75 19 1 7 5fi'a CG 60 14i 134 4fis 37 34 1‘2 11 44’s 33 31 10J 04 40's ‘20 27 10 0 se'a 28 2G 9 9

Reserve Proportion of reserve to lia16,715,000 10,344 000 bilities;, per cent 12.30 13.31 Note riv'cillation 12S.2RO.OOO 127,401,000 Government deposits 17,660,000 15.900,000 Other deposits 133,287,000 131.130,000 Government securities 73.270,000 68,430,000 Other securities 76,010,000 77,058,000 months’ Short loans, 5 per bills, nominal. per cent. cent.; three

Far. J me 14. .Tune 16. Finis (7r.) 23.222 47.40 46.40 Christiania (kr.) ... ... 18.159 25.64 26.27 Ntookliolm (kr.) 18.159 16.R6 16.90 Montreal (ilol.) 4.89 4.16 4.26 New York (ilol.) 4.86 3.70J 3.78i Yokohama f vt-n ::: 28 20.43 30 .30 .V Hongkong (dol.) Berlin (mark) SSI Calcutta (nip.) ... ... 10 to gold eov. 155 151

01 por cent. Imp. Con. ... £46 0 0 £45 5 6 b Per 3C*nt. Tmp. War Loan... 83 17 6 87 7 6 34 per cent. Imp. War Loan ... 88 0 0 88 0 0 0^ per cent. C’wealtli F/oan ... 99 0 0 99 5 0 5‘ per cent. C’"wealth Loan ... 95 2 6 95 2 6 s.w. 4'p. 1038. Jan.-July ... 7G 0 0 76 0 0 N S.W. 1935-50, April Tilly C4 10 0 64 2 6 N S.W. S’P, 1935, April-Oet.... 67 10 0 67 10 0 N S.W. 5^’a 96 0 0 95 10 0 X S.W. 102 17 6 102 10 0 V c. 4 s, 1921-6, ,Inn.-.Tilly ... 86 2 C 85 17 6 Y c. 3’s, 1920-40. Jan.-.Tilly... 62 15 0 63 0 0 V o. 3' s, 1029-49, .Tail.-July ... 56 0 0 56 5 0 Q 1 a n d 4’e, 1924. Jon.-.Tillv ... 89 0 0 89 0 0 Q land Si's. 1921-24, Jan.-July 87 10 0 87 15 0 Q’lnml 3 V, 1922-47, Jar..-July 66 7 6 58 2 6 N Z. 4 s, 1929, Mav-Xov. 84 12 6 84 10 0 N Z. 3>,V. m40. Jail.-July ... 69 12 6 69 7 G NT Z. 3 1945, April-Oct. (50 0 0 59 15 0 s. A. 3 s. 1930, Jan.-July ... 52 0 0 51 17 G s. A. 3 'a, 1945 or sftr-r 68 0 0 68 0 0 t fa 3 V, 1920-40. Jan.-Tulv... 69 0 0 68 17 G T. s. 3’ 1920-40, Jan.-July ... 63 0 0 63 0 0 W .A. 3 V?. 1920-35, Mar-July 12 0 0 72 0 0 \\ • • 1915-35, May-Xoy.... 68 0 0 C8 0 0