LIVE STOCK MARKETS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 198, 22 August 1932, Page 4

LIVE STOCK MARKETS.

TARANAKI VALUES. A BUOYANT MARKET. (From Our Own Correspondent.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Saturday. Six weeks of dry, frosty weather were relieved by warm rains early this week, so that the pastures have become tinged with green again, much to the relief of Taranaki farmers—especially in South Taranaki, where the position had been approaching the critical .stage. The winter just concluded has been the driest in Taranaki's history for a great number of years. The wet conditions are being welcomed by sheep farmers, who anticipate good lambing percentages now, that had been unlikely prior :o the rain and warmer weather. There has been an unprecedented run on hay, ensilage and crops; many farmers who have been able to carry over surpluses from one season to another are this year presented with bare larders. However, the growth of the past week has ended their anxiety for the time being at least.

Buoyancy has been evident throughout the stock market in the province the whole week, in continuance of the improved conditions during the past six weeks. Stock agents report good business and a healthy tone.

Quality sorts arc being sought in the dairy cattle section, and there was a slight rise during the week upon last week's rates. It is believed that further rises are likely. There have been good clearances at yards, and brisk competition for good animals, which have realised from £6 to £9, and tops infrequently bringing as much as £13 to £18; dairy heifers, close to profit, £6 to £8; backward sorts, £4 10/ to £6, and even £7 10/.

Fat sheep have advanced, and prospects appear to be good. Prime wethers have advanced to 15/10; fat ewes, small, 9/6; medium, 11/; quality, 12/6. Ewes in lamb to Southdown up to 11/. Ewe hoggets have been eagerly sought, and those offering advanced slightly on last week's rates; but there is a shortage of supply at present. There is little demand for breeding ewes.

Fat cattle have come forward in numbers and have been cleared at the yards at good prices for better sorts; fat bullocks, up to £7; fat cows, to £5 7/. Store cows have sold at late rates, and works' varieties at usual prices.

Pigs have been in good supply—rather in excess of demand. Prices were on a par with those of last week, when there was a slight fall compared with the peak prices of the previous week; best weaners, 10/ to 12/; stores, 16/ to 18/; slips, 17/6; young breeding sows, £3 10/ to £4 7/6. Horses have been in demand, and good benches have been present at the fairs held. Heavy and wagon horses', up to £34 10/; light milk carters, £29; hacks, £4 5/.