PRODUCE MARKETS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3889, 25 September 1928, Page 23

PRODUCE MARKETS.

CHRISTCHURCH, September 21. Since the mid-week report there has been a period of slackness in market circles and prices for all lines except potatoes show no change. With regard to potatoes, ho we ver, there has been a hardening due to two main causes. In the first instance there is undoubtedly a shortage of orders being received not only from Auckland, which is always the principal source, but also from outside places, such as Napier and Gisborne, while Wellington has also been looking for supplies. In some instances, oversellers have been actively looking round for potatoes, in order to cover themselves, consequently the value of potatoes is higher at present than it has been for some time; while it is a fact that some districts have got rid of all that they had; in others, there is a fair quantity still to be disposed of. Those farmers who are holding, however, are inclined to stick out for as high a figure as they can get. The Wingatui, which sailed earlier in the week for the north, took some 2000 sacks from Lyttelton, in addition to which she had on board about 1800 sacks from Timaru. It is not expected that the Wainiata, which will probably get away on Monday, will take many potatoes with her. Only a small lot was shipped by the Kaitangata. which sailed last night. The price to farmers on trucks at country stations is £5 15s, but as much as £6 was paid in at least one instance this week.