CANTERBURY MARKETS

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

CANTERBURY MARKETS

(P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 23. Samples of the new season’s produce have been coming in more freely during the past week. They include wheat, Garton and Algerian oats and Italian and perennial ryegrass. The first few samples of wheat from light land were not attractive, but some of those offered from heavier land districts are bright and plump. The price for this season’s wheat is the same as last year’s, 5/9 f.o.b. March basis with an initial payment of 5/6 and 3d at the end of the year. With settled weather there will be a lot of the wheat crop in process of heading in North Canterbury next week. Showery weather has delayed the wheat harvest, but it has very materially improved the crop. Early deliveries of perennial ryegrass were light in weight, running between 231 b and 241 b a bushel, but some heavy samples, running up to 271 b, have come in since. Some of the crop missed the benefit of rains in the spring and it is these that are light in weight. Quotations are from 3/3 to 3/9 on trucks, sacks extra. Italian ryegrass samples have generally been light. Quotations are from 3/3 to 3/9 for good seed with instances of less for indifferent quality, and slightly more for particularly good samples. Both Garton and Algerian oats are being offered. Gartons are limited by price fixation to 3/4 a bushel on trucks and sales have taken place at this figure. Algerians are quoted at 2/6 to 2/9. There have been no Duns offered so far, but for heavy black quality 3/3 is mentioned.

No samples of Akaroa cocksfoot have been offered, but some roadside samples have come to hand. The seed from this source is of good weight, ranging from 131 b to 151 b. There is no inquiry or speculation in the potato market. Merchants are generally awaiting a pronouncement from the Government on the ceiling price.