OTAGO PRODUCE MARKETS

Southland Times, Issue 23182, 24 April 1937, Page 4

OTAGO PRODUCE MARKETS

MARKETABLE WHEAT IN DEMAND OATS EFFECTED BY THE SEVERE WEATHER (United Press Association) DUNEDIN, April 23. The broken weather has again delayed operations in the country and, although a fair quantity of wheat has been stacked, there are still many paddocks that are still in stook. Millers are willing to buy any lines of millable wheat whatever, and are accepting samples which, in ordinary _ seasons, would not pass as milling quality. The advance price to growers is still on the basis of 5/- a bushel, f.0.b., for Tuscan, but deliveries next month will carry an extra penny a bushel. The fowl wheat market is steady and supplies are fair, mainly because of the action of the Wheat Committee in releasing a quantity of milling wheat for poultry purposes. This, with the importations that have been made by North Island centres, has just about satisfied the market for the time being. Values may be quoted at 5/- a bushel, sacks extra, on trucks, country sidings. Small lots are also being sold ex store at 5/9 a bushel, sacks extra. Oat Market Unaltered , The oat market shows little alteration. Some fairly large parcels have been on offer during the week, but the quality shows the effects of the severe weather conditions. It is now certain that there will be very few grades of oats available in Otago and Southland this season. Any lines that are heavy in weight and sound are readily saleable to millers, notwithstanding discolouration. The price is 3/2 a bushel, sacks extra, on trucks, country sidings. No grade oats are available for shipment from this port and Canterbury is at present supplying the North Island demand. Prices may be quoted at 3/10, f.0.b.5.i., for A’s and 3/8 for B’s. Several lines of oats that are out of condition have been on offer, but it is very difficult to interest buyers in such The chaff market is firm, in sympathy with the oat market, but the demand is slack. Values are unchanged, being £5 10/- a ton, sacks extra, ex truck, and £5 15/- a ton, sacks extra, ex store. It is uncertain what the future of the potato market will be, and everything will depend on the export. Some orders have been accepted for shipment to South America, but it is thought that these orders, although having a temporary effect on the values, will not firm the market to any great extent. The demand from the North Island has so far been quiet, and reports indicate that a number of districts have supplies in hand that will last them for two or three months. The Canterbury district is reported to be well off for supplies and the yields generally in the northern province have been exceptionally good. Whatever deficiency there may be in Otago and Southland will be more than compensated for by the increased supplies in Canterbury. The local market has shown a slight improvement during the week and best quality are now offering at £5 10/- to £5 15/- a ton. sacks extra, ex truck. White Clover Firm

Seeds generally are firm. More attention has been paid to ryegrass during the week, several firms having been operating for their retail requirements in the spring. White clover is also firm, with smaller offerings throughout the South Island. Cocksfoot is steady, with high prices ruling, but, on the other hand, cowgrass has weakened slightly, as also has fescue because of the lack of overseas orders. Browntop has been offering more freely during the week, but the future of this market will depend on the weather, as stripping will not be finished until about the end of next month. Supplies of apples continue to be very heavy on the local market ar >d only choice lines are meeting with any demand. Consignments are being received at present from Nelson, Canterbury and Central Otago. A shipment of bananas ex the Maui Pomare has ripened well and sales are now harder to effect; due largely to the colder weather that has been experienced lately. , There are still a few peaches ottering, and good sorts are in keen demand. Severe frosts in Christchurch and in Central Otago have brought the supplies of tomatoes to a sudden stop. With only very small quantities coming forward prices have shown a sharp advance for good lines. Second crop, local hothouse, are now appearing on the market and are meeting with a good demand. . Quinces are selling verv well just Grapes have been selling particularly well, although the market was easier today because of the cold snao. Dessert and cooking pears are meeting with a ready sale at prices that are payable to growers.

THE CANTERBURY MARKETS POTATOES IN DEMAND (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, April 23. Interest in the grain and produce markets is practically confined to potatoes, which have been very much in the mind of the market. Since the announcement of early shipments to South America the trade overseas has brought out a greatly increased offering from the country, and prices are easier now than they were at the beginning of the week. Whereas before there were more buyers than sellers the position is now reversed. The first shipment, of about 1000 tons, will be made bv the Hororata on about May 4 from Timaru, and probably Lyttelton. Apart from the export trade there is practically nothing doing in potatoes. The North Island appears to be quite uninterested. Reports from the country indicate that the yields are excellent. The rL- in the oat price has kept the market for chaff very firm. Oats also are in excellent demand with A Gartons worth up to 3/2, on trucks, and B’s to 2/11.

Milling wheat is coming in quietly, but steadily, and the quality of the sample threshed from stack is, in general, a great improvement on the lines handled earlier in the season. Trade in small seeds is particularly dull, and appears to have small chance of any strong revival till the spring. A good deal of cocksfoot is being offered, but generally it is very light and unattractive, and sellers have difficulty in selling it, even at as low as sd. One or two lines of cowgrass have been offered and the sample appears to be of good quality. Indications are that the price will be about 7d, with 7Jd for superior lots. White clover is offering fairly freely, but the samples vary a good deal. ' In general it is good and prices are up to lOd. A few lots of Browntop are being stripped in the country. The value is about lid for machine-dressed seed. The onion trade is stagnant.