TRADE IN PRODUCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1021, 11 July 1930, Page 13

TRADE IN PRODUCE

POTATO MARKET QUIET SPOT STOCKS LOWER Sun Office, 9 a.m. Trade in grairh seed and produce continue lifeless, with prices for potatoes, the principal winter line, remaining on low levels. Stocks of potatoes have been allowed to become rather light on the spot. There was no Southern boat at the beginning of the week, and the Wingatui, the only boat this week, will not arrive until late tonight or early tomorrow morning. This vessel is reported to be carrying only about 4,500 sacks for Auckland, less than a week’s requirements. The next Southern shipment is not due until well on in next week. It seems that Southern shippers have at last begun to take some heed to the cry that the Auckland market is well over-supplied with potatoes, and they have slackened off in their efforts to work off surplus holdings in consignment lots to this centre. There is a slightly firmer tone in the South at the moment.

The spot market, to say the least about it, is very sensitive, and it only needs a definite improvement in the South to see prices move here immediately. Merchants are looking for, and to a certain extent hoping for, a rise in the near future, as there has been little profit in the trade over the past month or so. At the moment, prices through store are unchanged at last week’s quotations. Best quality tubers sell through Auckland stores at from 7s to 7s 3d a cwt.

Onion Market Quiet The first of the Australian onions arrived early this week, and are selling through store at 10s a cwt. Stocks of Canterbury onions are gradually being worked off, and within a week or so business should be confined mostly to overseas onions. It is expected that America will be drawn on earlier this season. Canterbury onions Jire selling at 8s a cwt through Auckland stores.

The market for oats and chaff shows little movement, and prices are unchanged at last week’s quotations. B Gartons sell through Auckland stores around 4s 9d a bushel; Southern chaff sells at £lO 10s a ton; Tasmanian chaff is 10s a ton cheaper. The wheat market is very firm, and although one or two firms may be cutting prices, the general price through store, Auckland, for small lots is 7s lOd a bushel, subje.ct to the usual merchants’ terms.

Forward Business in Maize Auckland requirements for maize are being met mostly with South African, which is selling through store at* 6s Od a bushel. A little forward business is being transacted for direct railing from Bay of Plenty stations on a basis of a wholesale price to the merchants of 4s lid a bushel. Terms of delivery are spread August, September, and October. Gisborne maize is offered ior delivery over the same month at 5s a bushel.

The market for bran and pollard is quiet, and it does npt appear that merchants will have any trouble in meeting the increased spring demand this season. Bran sells through Auckland merchants’ stores at from 8s Cd to Ss 9d a bushel, and pollard at from 10s 3d to 10s Gd a bushel.