TRADE REVIEW.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1276, 15 March 1918, Page 9

TRADE REVIEW.

WHEAT PRICES. The question of the price of wheat next season continues to form a subject of concern, and although it is clear that Cabinet has come to a decision on the matter, no announcement has as vet been made. It would appear that the Minister of Agriculture has first been entrusted with the mission of ascertaining what would be acceptable to growers, and it may be, therefore, that when he is satisfied that the talk of reduction of area is not mere bluff, the Government may revise its price. It is whispered meanwhile that the Government has decided on 6/- a bushel, as the basis, whilst it is clear that values will be graded according to variety. The impression amongst those in the grain trade is that 6/- a bushel will not influence farmers generally in the manner desired.

It is clear on the Government figures published yesterday that the amount of wheat accounted for this season is below normal, although the shortage of trucks may partly contribute to the position. A fair proportion of the grain coming on the market is not up to milling standard, and in cases the full price for free wheat is not being paid. The coastal shipping trouble is by no means settled yet, and this fact has an influence on business. THE RISE IN OATS.

Oatsheaf chaff has firmed, 90/- to 100/- a ton being paid. The demand continues keen from both Auckland and Gisborne, as adequate supplies cannot be shipped at present owing to the freight position. On the other hand. Wellington demands have been fairly well catered for. There is also a fair demand from Southland. This upward trend has had the inevitable reflex on oats, but it is possible that much of the demand is really in the nature of a sequel to the pernicious system of forward buying which flourishes each season unchecked. Oats meanwhile are fetching varying prices, Gartons and Duns in eases realising 4/3 a bushel, whilst good seed Algerians are worth 4/-. Danish oats run from 3/6 to 4/-. GEASS SEED.

Ryegrass prices have reached a posi- j tion where some merchants consider j they are not sound. This fact may help to account for a slight lull in the ] business. Italian has sold to 4/3, and j Perennial to 4/6, but these prices can - ; not be taken as the rule. Barley is ] difficult to quAe, a large quantity hav- 1 ing already been tal&n by millers, and little is now coming on the market. It is worth possibly from 5/6 to 6/-. Cape barley is ranging from 4/3 to 4/-. Onion ind potato prices are unchanged. The following prices are those paid to farmers at country stations, with the exception of wheat, which is on a f.o.b. basis. Bran and pollard prices are those paid to the miller;— Wheat; 5/10 per bushel. Oats: Cartons 3/9 to 4/3, Duns 3/9 to 4/3, Algerians 3/6 to 4/- per bushel. Barley: 5/- to 6/- per bushel. Cape barley: 4/3 to 4/9 per bushel. Flour: 2001b bags £ls 10/- a ton, 1001b bags £lO 5/- a ton, 501b bags £lO 10/- a ton. Bran: £o 10/- a ton f.0.b., s.i. for shipping, £5 15/- (local). Pollard (last season’s): £7 10/- per ton. Oatmeal: 251b bags £23 a ton, 71b bags £2O a ton. Oatsheaf chaff: £4 10/- to £5 per ton. Potatoes: £3 5/- to £3 10/- per ton. Onions: £3 10/- a ton. Ryegrass: Italian 3/6 to 4/-, perennial 4/to 4/6, Western Wolths to 4/6. Cocksfoot, lid to 1/2. Linseed, to £22 10/- a ton. Grass seeds are quoted as on trucks at country stations, or f.o.b. Peninsula bays. DAIRY PRODUCE. Egg values have hardened, being quoted at 1/6 a dozen. Other lines remain unchanged.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. A shipment of Fiji bananas came • the market during the week, and t demand for same hns been keen, further consignment is expected short' Passion fruit is now coming form from Auckland. Prices are firmer 1 tomatoes, as the supply as yet is ; adequate. Apples, pears, and vegetab have been plentiful, whilst potatoes i in over-supply and the market has b< weak. Average prices ruling at a tion this week are as follow: — Apples, dessert, 5 - to 6,6 per case; co< - lug, 3/- to I - per case. Bananas, Fiji, 17 6 to 19/6 per case. Lemons, ‘Frisco, 360‘s, 50 - per case. Nectarines, 7 - to 9 - per case. Oranges. Cook Island, 15 - to 17/- per cs Passion fruit, Auckland, 3/- to 4/6 j case. Peaches, choice dessert, 3jd to 5d per I . medium, 3d to Id per lb. Pears, 3 C to 5 6 per case. Plums, 2 6 to 3 6 per rase. Blackberries, 6d to 8d per lb. Grapes, black, M to 1 3 per lb; white, ' ‘ to lOd per lb. Tomatoes, choice, 3d to 4Jd per 1 medium, 2d to 3d per ib. Beaus, kidney, 2d per ib; broad, 2/- ‘ * bag. Beet, M to 9d per dozen bundles. Cabbages, 6d to 1 - per dozen. Cauliflowers, large, 4 6 to 9/-; meo 1,6 to 3 6. Carrots, 8d per dozen bundles. Cucumbers, 1 - to 1/3 per box. Celery, 5d to 7d per bundle. Green peas, 13 to 1 5 per peck. Kumcras. 4 C per case. Lettuce, 6<l to 1/- per dozen. Marrows, 1 6 to 2 C per dozen. Onions, local, 5/- to C - per cwl. Parsnips, 8d to lod per dozen bundles. Potatoes, 4 - to 5 - per cwU Pumpkins, 4 - to 8 - per dozen. Badishcs, Id per dozen bundles. Rhubarb, 1 6 per dozen bundles. Spring onions, 6d per dozen bundles. Turnips, 4d per dozen bundles.