THE PRODUCE MARKET.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8863, 24 October 1907, Page 6

THE PRODUCE MARKET.

HIGH PRICES AND A SCARCITY. In the course of an interview with a leading grain merchant in ton yesterday, a representative of the Wairarapa Age gathered some information concerning the present state of the produce market. Owing to the severe drought now being experienced in Australia the export of "potatoes from the Commonwealth has been stopped. The result of this cessation of importation has made the local market very firm. A fortnight ago prime Australian redskin potatoes (eating) were quoted at 50s. f.0.b., Melbourne. Now they are quoted at £6, f.0.b., Melbourne. There is also, a considerable shortage throughout New Zealand. In the South Island, potatoes have risen from £3 to £7 per ton, and are still advancing rapidly. Owing to the great scarcity of wheat in Australia and other parts of the world, there is very little likelihood of wheat coming down in price for some considerable time. The latest quotation in the South Island is equal to 5s 7£d per bushel, and with wheat at such a price flour must still advance. As there is no likelihood of obtaining any Australian supplies, the opinion of the merchant in question is that New Zealand's only chance of supplying her demand is to obtain shipments from California. Wheat in Masterton is quoted at 6s per bushe!, and flour at £lt per ton in sacks, and £ls 10s in ton lots. From present indications there will be barely enough chaff in this district for present requirements., and before next season's crops can come on to the market; it is expected that chaff Will reach-a very high figure. Stocks of oats in this district are very light, and are also getting very short in the South Island. In the latter place "B" grade oats are now worth 3s lOd. It is also expected that oats, like chaff, will see a very high figure before the new season's product is placed on the market.