Oatß.—These are quiet, but what makes them more co is a disposition on the part of some holders to press Bates by auction, which is most disastrous to growers. When a market is on the down ward track It la a wretched policy, which was forcibly exhibited last season. Speculators as a rule have no stocks worth speaking of—so different from former ve«rs; and as they know they are good stock, will purchase when they are ■' thrown" at. them at 2d to 3d a bushel under market value; but then it means a breakdown of the market, which it is often impossible to get made right again. Moreover, our friends on the other side are not slow to know these tilings, and re duce their limits accordingly. These pressing sales can only be obviated by growers holding off till the market is actually in a position to purchase. Mel bourne, we all know, haa h large stock, but this year is all in first hands, dealcrs-or, in other words, re tailers— who sell to consumers having but little, white the consumption is enormous. The late drop was brought about by small holders, who could not afford to lay out of their money, putting them on the market at reduced prices so as to realise. Know ing all these " ins and outs," and that our own crop is short of former years, we see not the slightest reason for growers to go sacrificing, and more especi ally when the season is in its infancy. In giving quotations we may say they are nominal—say, for prime milling. 2s lOd ; heavy bright feed, 2s 8d to 2s 9d ; ordinary, 2s6dto 2s 7d.
