THE LOCAL MARKETS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVI, Issue 16233, 31 March 1917, Page 13

THE LOCAL MARKETS.

AVHEAT QITLBT— OATS STILL HIGH There is nob much wheat offering,' and.all good milling 'that is offering is being bought at full Government fixed.rates. Fowl wheat remains the same as last week. The good quality wheat this season is giving Meter returns to millers than milling wheat gave last year. Judging by the quantity of whealfc offering there is not a great deal unmarketed, though some farmers may be holding back for the higher prices which will rule in July. As anticipated, a much weaker feeing prevails on the oat market. Importations of Australian Gartons and Tasmsinian Giants are being made in considerable quantities to Auckland. Reports as to the quality are very favourable, and it is expected 'that further business will result. It is predicted that there will be a considerable quantity of under-grade oats available in Southland, and as is almost invariably the case' in a year when quality varies, the lower quality tends to reduce the value of Iche higher. Australian Algerians at present are costing 3s 6d to 3s 7d landed in Auckland, which prices are equal to about 3s 3d . to 3s 4d f.0.b., s.i., plus the difference of 'ohe quality, say 3d or 4d per bushel. If Australia is able to supply the North Island with its requirements, and nats are available in Southland in any considerable quantity it would appear that present values may not be sustained. There is a good demand for oaten-, sheaf chaff of good quality, but there is very litiole prime stuff offering. Good lines are worth £4 5s to £4 10s per ton, on trucks, country stations. Medium and inferior is worth up !do £4. There is a fairly gbod demand for barley at 4s 6d to 5s on trucks, country stations. s Although a few lines of potatoes have changed hands at £5, country stations, the tendency of the marke'e is_weeaker. Lyttelton is giving #5 to £o 2s 6d f.0.b., s.i., which is equal (to about £4 5s to £4 10s, on trucks, country stations, in South Canterbury, ond these prices may be regarded as current values. The crop prospects point to heavy, yield. CHRISTCHURCH REPORT. Press Association.) " . CHRISTCHURCH, March 30. There-is only a moderate quantity of wheat .offering. ■ - The oats market has< weakened still further, and buyers are not now offering more than 3s 6d at country stations, though a littlo more would probably be paid for 'heavy seed lines. Advice has been received (tfaati 7000 sacks of Algerians and white oats have arrived at -Wellington from Australia, and about 7000 sacks are on board the same vessel for Auckland. Good white oats, equal to A grade Gartons, are being offered at 4s on the wharf at' : Wellington, _ all charges paid. At th'is figure business 'with North Island cannot be done with Canterbury oats at their late prices. ; There is very little business doing in , oats-sheaf chaff and the demand, is * limited; •-. _ ''! For potatoes for April and May delivery £4 at country stations is now being offered. The quality of the main, crop this year is said to be very good: Peas are reported, to be coming in from Australia at a lower figure than the local market price. It is stated ; however that the Tasmanian crop of blue peas has been, commandeered by the Federal Government. The recent rise in the price of onions has also induced consignments to be mr.de from Australia; and the local price of £6 per ten is now only nominal. .