COMMERCIAL

Southland Times, Issue 19553, 6 May 1905, Page 4

COMMERCIAL

Local Produce Market.

Tho following is our weekly report on the condition of tho local grain and produce market

Oats.—There was very little business done in oats during the past week, the outlet being very limited. Sales were confined to Auckland and Wellington markets, and enquiries were received from Western Australia. Prices ruling here are fully Id higher than buyers there aro prepared to give. Samples are offering 1 freely from tho country, tho bulk of them being df good quality, bright in colour and well filled. Local merchants are not keen to buy at prices ruling, and the market shows a downward tendency. The price at present is Is s|d, sacks extra, on trucks up country stations,- but buyers are finding that they cann'ojb turn over their purchases to advantage at this price. The s.s. Indralema is expected at the Bluff on the‘Bth inst., and space has been booked in her fo-r shipment to London at a 20s per ton freight. Latest advices from tfae East are to the effect that no further shipments of oats will bo required there for about four months, stores being sufficient to meet requirements. It 'is almost impossible to forecast the course of the market during the winter as prices are likiely to depend entirely on the result of consignments to tho London market.

Ryegrass.—There is nothing doing at present. We understand that stocks are very lightly held in Otago and Canteibury, so that there la every prospect of hifiWer values ruling when the spring demand comes along. The bulk of the samples offering' during tho autumn have already been disposed of in the North Island for autumn sowing. Chaff.—New chaff is now freely offering, and sales are being made at .’£2 15s to £2 17s 6d, on trucks, up country stations. ’ -