CHEAPER BEEF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 120, 24 May 1939, Page 13

CHEAPER BEEF.

WESTFIELD SALES.

MARKETS WELL SUPPLIED.

CATTLE DOWN 15 / PER HEAD.

Beef prices declined at the Westfield fat stock market to-day owing to the unusualiy heavy supply of fat cattle. The price reached the lowest level for almost two years. With the supply of beef in excese of their requirements, butchers bid rather slowly and inferior cattle were hard to sell. However, there was a steady demand for prime beef, choice ox selling up to 32/ per 1001b, compared with 34/ last week. The decline wae equivalent to 10/ to 15/ per head.

Quality was varied, but a good portion of the yarding was in prime condition. The outstanding draft of steers was a lot of 17 from Mr. J. McLeod, Waipu, which topped the market, realising up to £14 per head. A few other lots made over £12, one line of 18 from Messrs. Reid Broa., Opotiki, bringing £10 2/6 to £12 17/6, and another, comprising eeven steers froti Mr. H. E. Reed, Waerenga, realising £10 12/6 to £12 12/6. Calves were also in heavy supply, and while good quality vealers and runuers hrought late rates plainer sorts were easier.