The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1883-09-29 00:00:00

WEEKLY REVIEW of the CORN TRADE.

(from Bell's Weekly Messenger.)

Since we last wrote we have had some brilliant
weather, which has been of great advantage to the
agricultural interests, as it hag enabled the farmers to
advance further towards the comple' ion of the harvest.
The latter days of the week, however, were very un-
settled, and a considerable quantity of rain fell ; but
those localities which possess light soils will derive
benefit, as rain had not fallen for some time previously.
Taken as a whole, the week has been a propitious one,
and farmers are already preparing their land for
autumn sowing.
Farmers are now devoting more of their Zime to
threshing operations, but the supplies of new wheat
arriving a the market are as yet far from abundant,
and there is also some want of condition apparent in the
samples. A portion of the crop was hastily gathered
in, and is, in consequence, defective. As some ot this is
not likely to improve greatly by keeping, farmers are
wisely clearing it off on the best terms possible; but
they are inclined to believe in better prices later in
the season for the finer qualities of produce and
hence they are not liberal sellers at present. The
supply of wheat afloat to this country has somewhat
declined, the total from all districts, excepting the
Baltic, being 1,665,000 qrs,, against 1,696,000 qrs. in
the previous week, showing a falling off 30,000 qrs.;
but, on the other hand, the snpply of flour afloat
amounts to the equivalent of 158,000 qrs., comparing
with 146,000 qrs. in the previous week., so that there
are still 1,823,000 qrs. of wheat and flour afloat,
against 1,842,000 qrs. last week, a difference of only
19,000 qrs.
Advices from the United States mentions that ex-
porters were doing more business, and that prices had
slightly improved.
On the Continent the value of wheat does not vary
materially. Millers operate, as a rule, with much
reserve, and prices do not alter to any important ex.
tent. solders do not press sales, and at present there
does not seem to be much room for fluctuation.

The barley trade has not, as yet, assumed any con-
siderable proportions. Supplies are still increasing,
both from home and foreign sources, but as tar as
malting produce is concerned, a desire is shown to
await a better selection before operating extensively.
A large business in this department cannot, however,
be long delayed, as the brewers will soon be making
inquiries regarding the newly-manufactured produce,
with a view to their October brewing°. Prices are ex-
pected to be quite moderate, and not exceeding as a
rule, 455. per quarter. Grinding barley has nom-
manded a fair sale at about late prices. Malt has
been in very quiet request, on former terms.
Oats have arrived to a fair extent, and a dull tone
has pervaded the trade, especially for inferior sorts,
the value of which has had a downward tendency. The
trade fur the better sorts has been quiet, on former
terms.

The supply of Indian corn on the spot is very mode.
rate, and the trade has been steady on rather higher
terms. The market has also been steady forward, the
accounts of the American crop being less satisfactory.
The visible supply of Indian corn in the United States,
however, is large, being estimated at 14,400,000
bushels, against 13,200,000 bushels in the previous
week. The supply afloat to the United;Kingdom is
estimated at 294,000 qrs., against 260,000 qrs. last
week, and only 133,5(.0 qrs. last year. -

_
The trade for beam has been steady, and Egyptian
sorts are somewhat hardened in value. Other sorts
are quite as dear.
Peas have been in fair request, and late prices have
been well supported.
For flour there has been only a quiet consumptiv
demand at previous quotations.