OTAGO PRODUCE MARKETS

Southland Times, Issue 24651, 24 January 1942, Page 2

OTAGO PRODUCE MARKETS

(P.A.) DUNEDIN, January 23. The weather in the South Island continues variable and unless warm weather comes an over-supply of moisture may affect the yields. Reports from the north state that wheat crops show considerable improvement and that the yields will be well up to average. Last year a price order fixed the price of white oats at 3/11 f.o.b.s.i. and the order is still in force. That being so it is difficult to understand why lines of white oats are being sold forward at a considerably higher figure than 3/11. Business in the wholesale seed markets cannot be said to have yet begun for the new year. It is reported that some of the crops have been seriously affected by the stormy weather. A busy week has been experienteed in the fruit marts. Heavy supplies of Central Otago stone fruits are now on offer and the quality of the peaches and apricots so far has been particularly good. The prices being obtained for peaches and apricots must be considered satisfactory to growers. New potatoes have had a ready sale at the fixed wholesale price of 2Jd with the retail figure at 3Jd. It appears, however, that under the age-old system of supply and demand, prices will have to ease, as consignments have accumulated in the marts and are in excess of the demand.