GRAIN & PRODUCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 May 1938, Page 3

GRAIN & PRODUCE

TREND OF CANTERBURY MARKETS (By Telegraph—Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH. May 13. Dry and settled weather has allowed wheat sowing to go ahead in many districts, although some of the heavy land has not yet come into condition. Sowing gives promise of being heavy this year, but a continuation of good weather will be needed to ensure a full crop. Little wheat is now left in farmers’ hands as the quantity in stack waiting for increments appears to be smaller than usual. Practically the only interest in the produce markets is in potatoes, which are at present weaker than they have been all the season. The nominal quotation is £3 on trucks for Suttons and Dakotas, but there are no buyers about even at this price. The North Island demand has evaporated and, although shipments in the next two boats will be heavy, the potatoes are mainly in satisfaction of forward purchases made early. South America at present appears to be hopeless. It is reported that one merchant who cabled asking for an offer received an intimation that business might be done for a small lot at £7 (N.Z.) a ton. This, of course, would barely pay freight and other charges.

Chaff still moves freely where quality can be obtained, but quality can be obtained, but quality is extremely scarce. Oats are dead.