Market Report

Southland Times, Issue 13642, 2 January 1897, Page 4

Market Report

Southland Times Office, 31st Dec., 1896. Tho produce market during the past week has been practically lifeless. The demand for cereals of every description has fallen off, and business generally has been very restricted. No doubt the holiday season has had some effect in this direction, while the Australian markets are in the meantime independent of our supplies; to some extent, their own crops now going into consumption. We do not think, however, there is any cause to fear a heavy drop in values, although prices have receded during the past fortnight, for oats, fully l£d per bushel. The prospects for the coming season are encouraging’ with regard to prices, but present indications are not at all favourable as to the yield being equal to the average. Grass Seed — Samples of last season’s ryegrass are still offering freely at 3s at up-country stations for inaehine-dressed seed, but it is difficult to do business at this figure and in view of harvesting operations on the new crop now commencing, we fear lower prices will have to be accepted. Wool—Shearing operations are still going on, and indications point to the next local sales being well supported by farmers sending in their clips. Stock—There is no movement in the stock business sales now being'made mostly consisting of supplies for the butchers. The following are local quotations Oats—Best feed, Is 8-ld to Is 9d, sacks 4d, on trucks at up-countrj’ stations. Wheat—The market is quite bare. Barley—There is no demand. Ryegrass—Machine-dressed, 3s to 3s 3d, f.o.b Bluff