SLACKER DEMAND

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 301, 20 December 1943, Page 4

SLACKER DEMAND

XMAS POULTRY SALES

TURKEYS ARE POPULAR

Despite the rush of Christmas buying and efforts to secure luxury goods, the demand for poultry is not so keen as that last year. Big business is being done at the city markets, but the auctioneers report that the demand is only medium in extent, and some birds, especially old ducks and drakes, are practically unsaleable. It is a different story with turkeys, which are in short supply, and keen bidding was witnessed this morning, when top price for a gobbler was £1 12/6, comparing with £1 10/ at the corresponding sale last year. The general run of prices is somewhat lower than a year ago, but a keener inquiry is expected at the big sale to-morrow. To-day one auctioneer found new owners for some 2500 birds in less than 21 hours. Choice cockerels weighing about 41b brought 7/6, and those from 51b to 61b had a market at from 10/ to 12/. Good White Leghorn hens suitable for the table brought 4/ to 5/, and similar hens of the Black Orpington strain sold at 7/ to S/. Choice young drakes, which are said to make very palatable eating, were unwanted and could be bought for as low as 2/ each. Restaurants and hotels, as usual, were strongly represented around the rostrum.