AUCTIONEERS' REPORTS.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6027, 9 January 1885, Page 2

AUCTIONEERS' REPORTS.

Mbssbs H. Matsow akd Co. report on the live stock market, &c., for the week ending Thursday, Jairaary Bth, 1885, aa follows.:— Yesterday's Addington market, the first in the Hew Year, brought forward a largely iocreaeed entry of stock, especially in fat sheep, of which a fall supply were penned. At tue two previous sales very little business had betn done, consequently buyers i mustered in full force on this occasion. We regret, however, that we cannot record > any improvement in values, which again rather receded than otherwise, not in any way from the absence of buyers, who operated to the full extent of their capabilities, including a few email purchasers for export, bat simply from the fact of the demand being unequal to the supply. Of the future prospects of the mutton trade we cannot speak very hopetully, since the stock of fat sheep in the country must be undoubtedly heavy, and we fear that but little help will be gut from exporters in the way of clearing the surplus over and above what is required for our own immediate nse. The sale yesterday may be described as a dull one throughout, rather worse perhaps at the finish than at the commencement. Low a* prices were, a veiy large proportion of ths sheep on offer changed hands, owners having evidently made up their minds to give way in the matter of values rather than hold out in face of what will probably become a worse trade. As a special feature of the sale, we may mention the Acton merino wethers, as grand a line of Bheep in their class, taken as a line, ac we have seen through these yarde for the season and as far as showing to what perfection the breeder's and grazier a art may attain, they would be hard to beat. That they were appreciated by the trade is proved by the result, the four pene being placed by us as fi Hows, viz., two pens at 143 9d to Messrs Hopkins and Co., one at 14a 6d to Mr Bosewarae, and one at 14s 9d to Mr Brinkman; prices by shillings per head the highest for the day in this class of sheep. On account of Mr Broadfoot we also topped the market in crossbreds with a few exceptional wethers at 17e, quitting the balance of the line at 133 9dand 14s 3d. Following next on the list to Mr Broadfoot'a quotation came Messrs Henderson and Mc death's 2-tooths, which we Bold at 15s and 15s 9d, placing also crossbred wethers for Mr Sharpe at 143 6dand 14s 9d; wethers for Mr W. B. Andrews at 14s 3d to 14s 6d, ewes at 12a 9d; wethers for Mr Brittan at 13s 3d; Bomney wethera for Mr Halley at 143 j merino wethers for Messrs J. and J. Innis at 8s 6d; 4-tooth wethera for Mr Kinley at 13s 3d to 14s, mixed 2-tooths at 12s 9d; crossbred wethers for Mr "Walker at 14s: ewes for Mr Overtonat 14s; i ewes for Mr Walker at 12s; for Mr Harding at 10a 3d to 10a 9d; mixed 2-tooths for Mr Seaward at 12$ 8d to 13s 6d; ewes for Mr Bobinson at Us to 12s j ewes for Mr Hogen at 11s 9d; ewas for Mr Weston at 12s to 12a 3d: ewes for Mr '1 hompson at 11s 6d to 13s; for Mr Stanford at 10s 6d; mixed crossbreds for Mr Kinleyat 13s; and for Mr Bailey at 133 9d. We quote the best wether mutton at 2id per lb (the Acton sheep bringing above this rate), the average price for the day being about 2d. In store sheep there was a large entry, consisting chiefly of crossbreds of various descriptions. Aa in fat sheep, exchanges took place with most of thelots, pricee being Iβ to Iβ 6d per head below mid-November quotations, but still high in comparison with the rates obtainable for fat sheep. On account of various owners, we sold crossbred couples, young ewes, with full percentage of lambs, at 163 3d; mixed twotooths at 12s 3d ; halfbred two-tooth wethers, in low condition, afi 11s ; mixed two tooths at 11s; fresh-conditioned merino wethera at 6s 3d. We also noticed in sales during the day lines of two-tooth crosebreda at 10a lid, lie 6d, to 12s 6d and 12s 7d. The fat lamb sale was one of the best of the season, alike in supply and values. The tew sent to hand during the Christmas and New Year weeks were perhaps the only class of stock wanted, a rise of Iβ to Is 6d being obtained for the few penned at last week's sale, the same being again maintained yeaterday, with a very full supply. Our entry, consisting of about 450, we cleared at from 93 to 12s 3d, which latter price—the top for the day—we obtained iox i a line of halfbred Downs, on account of Mr Seaward. The general ruling rates for average trade lota was from 103 to 10a 6d. In beef, a very small quantity came under the hammer, still there wa3 sufficient for alt requirements; a dull sale and unaltered values having to be recorded. Wβ quote the best quality at from 193 to 21s per lOOlbs; second rate *t 17s to 18s. In stores, there wits not a great deal of. business done yesterd*y, but we notice, an improving enquiry for good straight lines cf 18 months to 2-year-old cattle, for which we predict a better trade in the future. The fact is that feed is everywhere so abundant in the country that the question arises as to what it can be stocked with to pay lor feeding, and to our minds the answer is, store cattle if procurable at anything like present rates. The pig eale, in the matter of values, was very much a repeti ion of that of last week, inasmuch aa high prices again ruled, the entry being a smaller one. With the stubbling season approaching we anticipate a continuance of high rates, as there is evidently a scarcity of pigs in the country. The totals yarded for the day comprised 10,619 sheep, 307 head of cattle, and 73 pigs, of which our entry included 3515 sheep, 447 fat lamb 3, 141 head of cattle, and 32 pigs for the Acton Estate, Messrs Innis Bros., F. H. Brittan, W. B. Andrews, W. Boag, W. M. Thomgaon, W. Bailey, E. Stanford, J. Kinley, w. Holley, F. Tavender, Jno. Gebbie, Geo. Kinley, "W. Walker. Geo. Weston, M. Hogen, A. Broadfoot, T. Kobinsoir, Henderson and Mcßeath, C. Stewart, Jno. Harding, J. Overton, W. Saville, Jno. Sharpe, W. Bramley, Jno. Davis, M. Byan, T. Hooker, B. Pickering, P. Manion, H. A. C. Fergusson, Mrs Ballantyne, H. McConnell. T. MCartin, C. Barrett, B. Easterbrook, J. Tucker, T. Pattrick, Geo. Smith, A. Woodward. T. Gabites, M. Malley, J. Fisher, W. Clarke. W. D. Tabor. A. Cockburn, G. Duke, W. Turner, J. Allen, A. Orchard, E. Taylor, McTidney, B. Wallace, B. lubman, M. Murphy and others. Canterbury Horse Market. —For our last Saturday's eale eighty-four horses of all classes came to hand, of which the bulk were of a light description. In trade there U not much alteration to note, except that a rather better inquiry again exists for draught and farming stock of the more useful stamp, but at present however there are very few of the latter, either broken or unbroken, coming to hand, any such moving off at fair prices. Of our total entry on Saturday we placed the usual proportion, plough horses £12 to £19. good hacks £14 to 218, ordinary do £7 to i>lolos, Ac. Owners of broken or unbroken horses suitable for farm work may now aend them forward with a better prospect of disposal than a month since, not so much in the matter of increased values as a better demand. Good light harness horses are also scarce, and readily saleable, in fact the supply tails far short of the inquiry.

Wool, Sheepskins, Hides, Fat, and Tallow—On Tuesday at our Canterbury Wool Stores we held our usual weekly sale or the above. There -was a large attendance of the trade. In sheepskins competition was keen, and in some instances we quote a rise of Id to 3d per skin. Our catalogue for the day consisted of 3216 sheepskins, 95 ox hides and calfskins, 163 bags and packages rough fat, all of which were disposed of at the following prices:— Butchers' best pelts, Is, Is 3d, Is sd, Iβ Bd, Is 9d to Is lid each: second quality. 6d, Bd, 9d to lid each; lambskins,best,ls 6d,lsßd, Is 10d, 2s to 2s 2d each; second quality, 9d, lid, Is, Is Id, Is 3d to Iβ 5d each. Country skina—Beat crossbred, 3s 6d, 4s, 4s 6d to 5s Id each; second qualry 1 Is6d,2a, 23 6d to 2s 9d each; best m.rinoe, 4s6d, 4s 9d, ss, 5s Bd, 5s 6d, 5s 9d, 6a to 6s Id each; second quality, 23, 2e 6d, 2s 9d, 3s, 3e 3d to 3a 6d each. Factory skins —On account Messrs Campbell and Co. we sold a nice line of 237 lambskins at 2s 2d; pelts, for various owners, up to Is 6i each. Bough fat, l|d ' - 21 to 2Jd perlb. Tallow, 243 parcwtl

Mbssbs C. Newton and Son report the largest supply of fat and store sheep at the Add iogton market on Wednesday that have been yarded for some weeks past. The fat sheep comprised the very pink of quality of various breeds, from the choicest merino wether to the well-fattened halfbred. There was considerable demand for freezing- purposes, and the local demand .was also rather brisk. At the commencement of the sales biddings were slightly in advance of last week's prices, bat as the day progressed it became evident this state of things could not continue, and that there would be some difficulty in effecting a clearance. However, take the market on the whole, and it was by no means unsatisfactory. The store sheep jnarket was remarkably well represented.ahdsfcorn crossbred 2-tooths sold at from lie to 12a 6d each.

Half-bred ewes and lambs sold at 163 6d each, merino wethers from s9dtoßieach. Fat crossbreds sold from 13a 61 to 15s each, and a few special lots higher. Mutton sold at from 2£d to 2|d per lb, and beef at about 203 per lOOlb. Store cattle are etill in good demand, and lines of steers from eighteen months to two and ahalf years' old, are keenly competed for at from £3 53 to .£sloa each. Pigs stall hold their price, and the demand is equal to the largest supply. Fat lambs are selling from 93 to 11s each, according to quality. The total number of stock yarded for the day comprised 10,619 sheep, 307 head of cattle, and 73 pigs. We sold a line of crossbreds on account Mr H. McLeod, at 11s each, and dry ewee on account same owner at lie each. We sold 313 freezers at 14s 6d each, and pigs at from 26s to 32s each. Mbssbs Miles and Co. report upon the lecal markets for the week ending Thursday, January Bth, as follows, viz.:— Addington.—The entries of stock at these yarde on Wednesday last were unusually heavy in the sheep clasaee, particularly in store sheep. Although not constituting a heavy supply, the fat pens were well filled with sheep of more than average quality ; the demand, however, was exceedingly weak. Owing to the small enquiry for sheep for export, prices languished, and several choice lots in consequence were turned out unsold. If proof were needed of the necessity for maintaining a regular export of frozen mutton from this colony, it is conclusively shown by the present low prices which, if freezing operations were to cease, would be considerably further reduced, we would therefore urge atockownera and graziers generally to assist by all means in their power in promoting the successful maintenance of the frozen meat trade, as without the relief afforded by this trade stock must inevitably soon fall to boiling down values. We quote mutton for tho day at from lfd for medium to 2d per lb for best quality. Fat Lambs — Although the entries of Ifat lambs were considerable, the fact that the trade had supplied themeelves but lightly the previous two markets tended to enhance values to the extent of fully Is per head. The quality was as a rule undeniably good, but all classes sold readily and at prices from 9s to 12s 3d. Fat cattle—Of this class of stock but few were penned, and as the butchers paddocks were eomewhat empty, enquiry i was goad, and pricee chow an advance on recent quotations. Best beef sold at up to ! 21s per 1001b. Store sheep—A very large ! entry of store sheep came forward, consisting chiefly of crossbreds, for which, i although at prices lower than have recently been given where the lot 3 were good, the demand was active and competition keen. Although values have declined somewhat considerably, the present low price for fat sheep leaves but little prospect of profit to the grazier. Store Cattle—The supply was restricted to a few lota of two and three-year-old steers, small lots of mixed cattle. The demand, although light, was fairly good, and recent values were tolerably well maintained. Pigs—A moderate entry, with active inquiry, all lots meeting with ready aales at fair values. A consignment or pigs from Lady Wilson were much admired, and realised, size considered, best prices of the day. The totals yarded for the day were 10,619 aheep, 307 cattle, 78 pigs, of which our entries were on account Lady Wilson, the Lowcliffe and Chatmoss estates, Messrs Chapman Bros., Sutfcon and Monkhouse, J. Bonifant B. Latter, J. McLeod, B. Hawkins, S. W. Palmer, J. Smith, W. Budd, W. H. Porter, Peterson, W. Allen, E. H. Shirley, C. Brake, W. B. Clarkson, and others, our principal sales being—for merino wethers at from 5s to 9s; half-bred do at up to 15s 9d; quarter-back do at Us to 14s 6d; crossbred do at up to 14s 6d j do hoggets at up to 12s 6d: do ewes, from 5s 10d to 123; Southdown do at up to Hβ 9d; steers at up to £1 17s 6d; heifers to £6 2s 6d; cows to £5 17s 6d; calves at up to Its; pigs from 11s 6d to 22a.

Country Balea—On Tuesday last, at the Ashburton County Saleyards, the supply of stock was a light one. The attendance was good, but considerable hesitation was shown by purchasers. Business was dull, and very few sales of sheep were made under tie hammer. In cattle a more active demand was noticeable, and recent values were, if not improved upon, at any rate fully maintained.

Kirwee—On Monday last we held our regular monthly sale. The number under Offer was smaller than usual, and although values have receded somewhat, prices compared favorably with other markets.

Msssßb Bobket WrLKiN and Co. report: —At the Addington Yards on Wednesday, 10,619 sheep, 307 head of cattle, and 78 figs were yarded for the week's supply, 'at Sheep—A large entry, a fair proportion of which consisted of prime and good quality descriptions. Biddings throughout the sale were dull, and the various lots offered found buyers at a slight reduction on late sales. Prime crossbreds told from 13a 9d to 15s 9d; (rood do, mixed sexes, from lls to 13s; merino wethers, from 8s to 104 9d. In fat-lambs, a fair supply sold, f com 8s to Uβ, accarding to age and quality. A very large entry of stores were submitted, principally two and four-tooth crossbreds. which sold readily at from lie 5d to 12a 6d in large drafts; while merino wethers, in forward condition, met a dragging sale at prices ranging from 63 to 7s. Fat limited supply, only a few pens submitted to auction, but a dull inquiry and little business doing; prime beef realised 20s per lOOlbs; second quality d0,1756i. Our usual weekly sale of sheepskins and fat was held on Thursday, Bth inst. There was a fair gathering of the trade, and prices ruled at those quoted last week, little difference being noticeable. Our catalogue contained 2068 sheepskins and 78baga fat and tallow. Good lines of dry country merinos up to 5s sd; do crosebreds, Ss sd; pelts, from 5d up to Is 7d ; lambskins to Is 9d. Fat and tallow, well saved, upto2£dperlb.

Messes Bknnktts Bbos. report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, January Bth, aa follows: — At the Addington Tarde on Wednesday large enti<»s of stock were yarded, the total numbers being 10,619 sheep, 307 head of cattle, and 78pigB. In the fat sheep market there was a great absence of hie, and values showed a still further decline, the demand being almost entirely confined to local wants. Crossbred wethers sold at from 13s to 17e, the latter price for a draft of very heavy weights and quality; merino wethers sold at from 8s to 143 9d, tbe latter price for a smalt lot of wonderful weights and quality, from 2<l to 2Jd per lb was paid according to qualicy. In the store shsep market a large entry was penned, principally young sheep. The demand proved fairly good, but in some cases owners declined to accept values offered, and one or two large lines were passed unsold. Two and four-tooth crossbreds sold at from lls lid np to 12e 7d. A large entry of fat lambs sold well at from 9s 9d to 12i per head. Figs were in small supply, and were the beet sale of the day. The fat cattle market was only sparingly supplied, the demand proving equally light, and all were not sold. Bullocks sold at from JE6 to £8 10s; heifers from JES 5s to KB, being from 18a to 21s per 100 as per quality. A moderate entry of store cattle met with only a middling' demand. Our entries were on account of Messrs J. E. Bashford, W. Bevan, H. Boys, W. Smith, C. Boon, A. Cutler, P. Clerk, H. Letson, J. Dell, W.Anderson, J. Eapley, J. Nankivell,W. Collins. A. Sullivan,-G. Smith, A. Grant, A. F. Bennetts and others, and our principal sales were, 20 lamb 3at 9s, 11 at 10s, 10 at 10s 10d: veal calves at 9s, 13e, 14s 6d, 15s, 18s, 195,205, 22b, and 21s per head; a line of four-tooth mixed crossbred!* at 12s 9d; 63 crossbred wethers at 12s 6d, Bat 7s 6d; 12 heifers at £3 125, 21 at £3 2a 6d, 4 eteersat JB22s, 4 at J8317s 6d,l6at JB3 6s, 20 at 395, and 27s at 329 6d, and privately during the week we have disposed of several lines of stores, sheep and cattle, at market rates.

Sheepskini, Hides, Fat. Tallow, &c—At our yards this day we held our usual sale of above, submitting a large and assorted entry. Fellmongera assembled in good numbers and were keen in their bidding, and a rise in late values took place. We sold butchers* pelts at Bd, 10d, lid, Is 3d, Is 4d, Is sd, Is 63, and] Iβ 7d, lambskins at Is 3d, Is 4d, Is sd, Is Bd, and Is 9d, country skins at from Is 6d to 3s 9d. Our entry of fat was a large one, and a good sale took place, prices as follow —Botchers' fat at

l§d, 3d, and 2Jd and 2£d; rendered fat at 2Jd per Ib and 24s per cwt Skins at late rates.

Poultry and Produce—At our yards on Saturday last we held our usual sale of above. A good demand was experienced and good values were made. Best table fowls, 3s to 33 9d, ducks 4a to 4a 3d, geese 6s to 7s 6d, &c., &c.

Brows asd Baxbd's weekly report of sales held at their Lichfield street Saleyards :—Horses—Afawrentry; prices from £1, MlO3, £5 5a to £3. Pigs—ls7 yarded, including a number of well-bred small pigs, which were keenly cempeted for and realised long prices. Suckers and weaners, 9e, 12s, 15s to 19a ; stores, 225, 243 to 30s. Poultry—A large entry, and all sold at prices which showed a considerable im-

provement on late quotations. Best table fowls, 43, 43 6d to ss; good do do, 33 6d to 33 9d; inferior birds, 2j 6d to 33 3d; chicks, Is 9d, 2s 31 to 33 3d ; ducks, 4s to 4s 6d ; ducklings, 2s 9d, 3a 3d to 3s 9d; geese, 5s 6d, 63 to 6e 6d; goslings, 4e 6dtoss; turkeys, lls, 18s, 253 ; bantams, Is to Is 9d per pair; pigeons. Is 93 to 2s 6d. Calves — Prices from 2s 6d, 3s 6d, 5s 6d t> 8s; vealers, 20s; cows, J62 to £6. ProduceNew potatoes, 4s to 5s per cwt; onions, id to lid per lb; bacon, 4£d per lb; cheese, 2£d to 4d per lb ; also, carcases and sides mutton.