GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18062, 7 March 1923, Page 7

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

CANTERBURY MARKETS. THE WHEAT POSITION. By Telegraph—Press Association, CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. A good tone continues to bo maintained in business circles. In regard to wheat, as far as can bo seen, the prices which were agreed upon to be paid by millers to growers are not having the effect that was anticipated. Ale: chants contend that the figures are in all instances too high, and that iarmers"themselves aro selling their cereals at considerably below these. They state that the agreement is far from being watertight, and that should there bo an increase in the price of wheat outside New Zealand, there would be nothing to prevent the farmer from taking advantage of the situation. They also draw attention to the position that might arise with regard to the wheat that, is left over after the millers have satisfied their requirements. Before the agreement can bo considered satisfactory, they state it_ must have the Government backing. There is at present nothing in the agreement to make farmers sell at the price set out. Meanwhile, fanners are sending in wheat as fast as, and in many cases faster, than it can he handled, leaving tho prices open. Outs aro still in demand, although they arc if anything a little easier than a week ago. Chaff is firm, as far as good stuff is concerned, this being due to the large quantity of inferior that is about. For inferior chaff there is syery little demand. Barley continues to he asked for, and many sales are being made at ss. Peas are dull; in some cases 6s is being paid to growers by merchants who have contracts to meet, but generally prices paid are from 5s 6d to 5s 9d. Most of the business done so far is paper Business, the pens concerned being turned over again and again. It is considered that when peas come forward in earnest, there will ho a reduction in values. Potatoes aro firm. Prices for AprilMay delivery rule from £3 10s to £3 15s per ton. At these prices, however, a, good number of farmers are reluctant to sell, preferring to await developments. White clover is firm -at late rates, some good parcels being disposed of. Cocksfoot is still dull, and shows no indication of improving. 'The importation of Danish seed is adversely affecting it. A fair business . is. being done in onions, despite the fact that the Auckland, district is consuming large quantities of its locally grown lines.