RAM FAIR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 132, 15 March 1940, Page 8

RAM FAIR

CHRISTCHURCH! FIXTURE, PRICES DISAPPOINTING. Tlie annual ram fair of the Canterbury A. and P. Association yesterday was one of the most disappointing in recent years. For this the general dullness in the fine wool sheep market was doubtless partly responsible, and possibly another, reason is that as many farmers have not yet bought their oaa'os they are in no hurry to buy rams, knowing that there is no scarcity of them about. Probably the most potent cause, however, is that the main breeds wore overcrowded with entries, and the supply lasted much longer than the buying needs. In the tliree main sections of South downs, Corriedalos, and English Leieesters this was very much the case. Only the best sheep evoked competition, some breeders securing fairly satisfactory prices, but for the classes that would bring from four to five guineas at average fairs there Avas an absolute lack of interest, and pen after pen was. passed at auction. The entry’in all breeds totalled 6402 head, approximately 1200 more than last year. The sheep came forward in average condition, the hard season showing its effect in the condition of a big proportion.

There -was a good demand for. Romneys and halfbi'eds. The' best - price of the day was realised for the former breed—ls£ guineas—for a pen of five from David Robertson (Gore). The huge entry of Southdowns was far beyond the buying capacity, and w'ith- many good pens on offer, buyers were in a position to fill their wants at easy prices. There was little demand for English Leieesters. Corriedales seem to bo out of favour, and the demand was not gi’<?at. Border Leieesters obtained a fair sale, and Ryelands sold better than Southdowns, but prices were generally low and there were numerous passings. Shropshire® and, Lincolns attracted little attention. Range of Values. The following is a range of values compared with that of last year:

Sales of County Clients. Sales on behalf of Ashburton County clients at the ram fair in Christchurch yesterday were as follow: English . Leieesters—On account of C. A. Campion (Highbank), 5 at 33gs, R. J. Low (Mount Hutt), 4 at 4gs; A. Bennett (Ashburton), 5 at McDonald Bros. (Methven), sat 4Jgs; John Bonifaht’ (Wakanui), 10 at 3gs, 5 at 3gs; McDonald Bros. (Methven), 5 at sgs, C. A. Campion (Highbank), 5 at 2jgs; Alan Letham (Lauriston), 3 1-sli at 2-|gs, 1 at 2gn, 5 2-sh at 2gn; John Bonifant (Wakanui), 5 at 2£gs, 5 at 3|gs; McDonald Bros. (Methven), 5 at 4gs; C. A. Campion (Highbank), 5 at 3gs. Halfbreds—On account of A. N. Grigg (Surrey Hills), 3 at 7gs.

Border Leicesters—On account of B. D. Steffens (Mt Hutt), 3 at 2|gs; D. J. Stewart (Rakaia), 5 at 4£gs; B. D. Steffens (Mt Hutt), 3 at 3gs. Romney Marsh—On account of Raymond Oakley (Mayfield), 5 at7gns; A. Ei. Marr (Lower Hutt), 5 at 13gns. Oorriedale—On account of J. M. Johnston (Eiffelton), 5 at Ifgns, 5 at l|gns; J. M. Johnston (Ashburton), 5 at 2gnsj W. Paterson (Ruapuna), o at 3£gns, 5 at 23gns, 5 at 2gns; D. S. Studholme (Hinds), 5 at 3gns, 5 at 1-J----gns; Cochrane Bros. (Elgin). 8 at 2| gns, 5 at 2Agns, 5 at Ifgns - John Moorei, jun. (Mayfield), 5 at 4gns; P. CP. Rickard (Riverside), 5 at 6lgns, 4 at Signs. Southdown—On account of D. J. Stewart (Rakaia). 2at 7gns; J. H. Grigg (Longbeach), 5 at 7gns; C l . A. Campion i('Highbank), 1 at 2gns; Cl A. Campion (Highbank) 1 at 4gns.

1939. 1940. * gns. gns. gns. gns. English Leicester 2 to 8^ 14 to 6 Southdown 2i to 16 H to 10 Ryjeland 24 to 10 n to 10 Border Leicester 21 to 10 <2 to 7 Roninoy Marsh . 4 to 13} 24 to 154 Corriedalc H to 134 l,i to 144 Half-bred 14 to -64 14 to 84