THE MARKETS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19771, 19 February 1927, Page 9

THE MARKETS

GENERAL PRODUCE THIS WEEK’S REVIEW Steady business continued in most lines of this week's markets and the position is now about normal. A review of general lines follows. Mildura Sultanas. Limited quantities of One and Three Crown Mildura sultanas have been offered by the Control Board, and appear to be the remaining stocks of last season’s crop. The prices for the new crop are expected to become known in five or six weeks. Kapok. Up to about a month ago the market for kapok had been very steady, duo to the strong position financially of the shippers, who were able to hold their stocks for higher prices. Recent cable quotations, however, have shown that the exporters’ strength was not so great as was first thought, and lower prices exist for Java Samarang kapok. Most buyers held off operating, as the market, in their opinion, had not receded in value sufficiently. Supplies at primary ports are said to be becoming rather short so the market, as * result, is expected to harden up more. A further reason for this firming of prices is the cable advice that both America and Holland have resumed buying. Desiccated Coconut A decline was reported in the market for desiccated coconut several weeks ago, and was followed by a further slight decrease last week. Apparently this reduced price represents the bottom of the market. Dates In the market for dates a slight weakening has been shown, and prices are considerably lower than those >ur the opening of the season. It is now seen that the opening of the season .prices were quoted at a considerable advance on the previous season’s rates, and, in consequence, buying was limited. With present prices, however, buying is being gone through freely. In view of the fact that the crop has been reported as small, prices may be expected to rise again. Rico As an indication of the firmness of the rice market, cables from Hong Kong advise an increase in the price for Siam rice. Agents for Burma, shippers also advise an advance on Indent rates. Small mills rice, a cheap broken product used by manufacturers for starch-making, has also shown a rise in price. Shipment is for new crop and will be mado by the MarchApril circuit steamer.