TRADE REVIEW.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 884, 9 December 1916, Page 11

TRADE REVIEW.

WHEAT AND FLOUR ADVANCING

For some time now the price of wheat has been steadily rising in the local market, and is now in the vicinity of 6/- per bushel. Flour is rising in consequence of the steady increase in the value of wheat, and also in sympathy with the Dunedin increase. Flour is now quoted at £ls in sacks, a rise of £1 in the last week. The present indications suggest the possibility of intervention by the Government for it is a po-.r look-out for the consumer of bread if bread is to advance to the same extent.

There is jio business iloing in ohl potatoes now. The retail houses are procuring their stocks of new potatoes from the North Island. Grain and Produce. During the week, business in wheat has been almost entirely restricted to millers and merchants s,ales, as the quantity coming from farmers is insignificant. Those dealing in wheat are only speculating cautiously just now, pending possible action by the Government. as wheat shows no signs of easing, in the ordinary course of events. The following are the prices paid to farmers at country stations, free of commission:—

Wheat, Tuscan 5/11 to (>/-; Hunters 6/1; Pearl, none offering. Flour, £ls; 1001b bags £ls 10/-; 501b bags £ls 15/-; 251b bags £l6. Bran, £4 per ton for shipping, and £4 5/- for local.

Pollard, £7 per ton for shipping. Oatmeal, 251b bags £7. Ryegrass, 4/- to 5/-. Cocksfoot, 121b seed 9<l, I.°. lb seed 9id, 141b seed 10*1. Peas, Partridge 5/-. , Oats and Chaff. Oats are a little easier, in sympathy with the southern markets, although there are not many lines offering in Christchurch. There is not a very great inquiry for oats in Christchurch and Cartons are quoted at 2/9 to 2/10, Danish 2/8 to 2/9 and Duns of really good quality from 2/10 to ?,/-. Just now there is a fair inquiry for good chaff and the quantity on offer is about sufficient to fill requirements. The best, and brightest samples are selling at from £.' i 15/- to £4, according to the distance of stations. Dairy Produce. Eggs are the same as quoted last week, but are very firm, and there is no surplus—there are only just about enough to meet demands. Townspeople are buying eggs every freely at present; stamped eggs are worth 1/2, and 1/1 is asked for others. The hot and dry weather of the last week or so is having an effect ou farmers ' butter, for the quality of that coming in is not as good as usual. Factory is 1/5 net. wholesale, and 1/7 retail, separator 1/1 to 1/2, and dairy 1/- per lb. Last year's honey is very scarce, and the outlook for the new season's output, which is due on the market next month, is not at all bright. The dry weather will not tend to improve matters. . Fruit and Vegetables. This week's Sydney shipment of oranges and bananas is rather late in arriving, not. coming to hand until to-day. The steamer Breeze is expected to arrive from Wellington on Monday with a consignment of Fiji bananas, and 'Frisco apples and lemons are expected by Monday's ferry steamer. The usual Sydney shipment is due on Wednesday next if it is up to time. Labour difficulties in Australia were responsible for the Manuka being behind time this week. There is a good supply of most local vegetables and they are fairly cheap, but all local fruit is scarce and dear. The following were the ruling prices in to-day's markets:— Apples, dessert 2U\ per lb, 'Frisco 16/- per case. Sydney oranges 7/- to 9/- per case. Sydney valencias 16/- to 17/- per case. Navel oranges 22/- per case. Mandarins 10/- to 12/- per case. 'Frisco lemons 40/- per double case.

Pineapples 15/- to Hi/- per case. Gooseberries .Id per lb. <'ook Island bananas 10/- to 17/- per case. Fiji bananas 21/- to 22/- per case. Local cherries 7d to Sd per lb. Waimato strawberries 9d to lid per lb. Local tomatoes 1/1 to 1/.1 per lb. Cook Island tomatoes If- to 9/6 per case. Cocoanuts I.V- to 11/- per sack. Kumeras 0/- to 11/- per case. Local peas lid to 1/2 per peck. Old potatoes IS/- to IP/- per sack. North Island new potatoes ljd to 2d per lb, local new potatoes 2Jd to .">.'. d per lb. Cabbages 1/- to 2/- per dozen. f'aulillowers ;'./- to 4/'!) per dozen. Carrots 1/2 to 1/6 per dozen bundles. Turnips 7d to Sd per dozen bundles. Rhubarb 4/6 to ~>/C< per dozen bundles. Parsnips 1/2 to 1/4 per dozen bundles. Onions I.'!/- per cwt. Lettuce (id to 9d per dozen. Asparagus 4,'- to 5/- per dozen bundles. Leeks 4d to 5d per dozen bundles.