TRADE REVIEW.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1789, 7 November 1919, Page 10

TRADE REVIEW.

POTATO MARKET DULL. Little of incident has occurred during the week in the grain and allied market, and in most instances values Show practically no change. The one feature is that the revival in interest in potatoes which was occasioned by the lifting of the embargo on export to Australia has largely subsided. Any keenness brought into being by export prospects has been rather offset by a considerable falling-off in the Dominion demand. This, for some reason, has; slumped considerably. The Waitemata is loading potatoes for northern ports, mnd this shipment should fill requirements there for some time. Indeed, there have been instances where Auckland buyers have tried to resell here, from Timaru have satisfied the Dunedin demand for a space. In fchis instance, as many potatoes were of poor quality, prices were reduced, a /act which has been somewhat felt here. Pn the other hand, there should be an export of a quantity of the crop to Australia. In addition, the season has some Jittle time yet to go. But merchants, on the present business position, have 1 reduced quotations, which range from £8 10/- to £9 5/-, at country stations. Firm Market for Oats. Oats continue to show a firm tonS, and, although it is stated that Australian buyers have endeavoured to resell Joere, it seems probable that export prospects are by no means exhausted. It is difficult to secure supplies here, and fhe main stocks will now come from the fcouth. In decided sympathy, chaff is Very firm, there being an excellent Jforth Island demand. It is selling from £6 15/- to £7 5/- per ton, at country Stations. Price of Flour. - The position in regard to wheat repining the same. The quantity held by growers is very small, and millers have reduced their standard, and are exceptionally keen buyers. The North Island is a strong buyer of fowl wheat. A significant, feature is that there had been Undercutting in the sale of flour, but the firm which first reduced its prices lias now returned to the Government Jevel. Some of the others met this competition, although without making a definite announcement that they had reduced prices. No doubt their rates Vill now come back to the fixed maxitmim standard. The amount of the decline has been about 10/- a ton for sacks, and 15/- for 25's, 50's and 100's. The return of the firm in question to the Standard level rather points to the position mentioned last" week, that stocks fre not in a healthy position. In one espect the undercutting in question seemed a foolish policy. It was held by - the millers that the fixed price, plus the Government subsidy, left only a tare margin of profit. It has now been shown that, with plentiful stocks, they had a margin to work on, a fact which inay be taken into consideration when the price is fixed for next season. General Produce Lines. In general grain and seed lines there las been no change in the position or in values. The following are prices paid to farmers at country stations, with the exception of wheat and Peninsula cocksfoot, which is on a f.o.b. basis:— Wheat—6/91 per bushel. Oats—Algerian 4/3 to 4/6 (seed); Duns 4/fo 4/6; Gartons, B's 4/4 to 4/51, A's 4/5 to 4/61. " Oatsheaf Chaff— Bright £6 15/- to £7 5/t»er ton. . . Barley—Malting 6/9 to 7/- per bushel. Cape Barley—4/9 to 5/-. Partridge Peas—7/- to 7/6, Blues 11/-. Ryegrass—ltalian, 4/6 to 5/-;. Western Wolths, 4/9 to 5/-; perennial, SA to 5/6. White Clover—l/ 6to 1/8. Bed Clover—l/ 10 to 1/11. Cocksfoot—lOJd to 1/- 121b to 131b seed. Unseed—£2s to £26. Potatoes—£B 10/- to £9 5/-. Oatmeal—£2B per ton, 251b bags. Flour—£ls per ton, f.o.b. Dairy Produce. The price for country eggs has ad-

danced to 1/6 per dozen, although in some instances it is higher than that figure. This is due to the Carnival Week demand, and farmers have been holding tack supplies. But grocers and others seem fsirly well supplied now, and, as stocks will increase in the next few davs, a slight easing in price may occur. However, it is expected that rates will - shen firm back, in view of the Christmas trade. The butter supply is now fair, but winter prices for dairy and separator are being maintained. The Dry Goods Trade. Business is good in the dry goods trade, but possibly not since the commencement of the' War has there been such a shortage of imported lines. Such -lines as Sicily almonds, Crosse and Blackwell's essences, anchovy and English sauces, Morton's Epsom salts, currants and dried fruits are practically off the market. Some of the new seaeon's salmon is now coming to hand, but the increase over the contract price equals 11 per cent., owing to the unfavourable rate of American exchange. This will probably mean an all-round increase in ex-store quotations at an early date. During the week, Japanese safety matches have advanced Cd per

gross, Condy's fluid by 2/-, New Zealand mullet by 6d per dozen, Crosse and Blaekwell's eurry powder by 6d per dozen, and ground ginger by Id per lb.