MARKET REPORTS.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7264, 25 January 1889, Page 6

MARKET REPORTS.

LIVE STOCK, &c. Messrs Matson and Co. report on the Live Stock Markets, &c, for the week ending Thursday, January 24th, 1359, as follows: — The weak and falling state of the sheep market for the last three sales has at last in a great measure had the effect of stopping supplies; at any rate yesterday 3 entry of mutton was not more than about half what it has been during the average sales of the past month. The same may be said of stores, of which there were not more than two or three lines offering, but, apart from the question of market values, there is no doubt but that the fact of harvest operations being at last fairly commenced had something to do with the noticeable decline (equal to about 50 per cent.) in the numbers yesterday as compared with the previous auction. There is also a strong probability that the markets will now continue light for some weeks to come from the same cause, and as far as we can see these are the only grounds upon which we can base any expectation of a material rise ia values for some time. In this respect—despite the small entry of fat sheep offering—there was but little or no improvement on Wednesday, for although the sale opened somewhat nruier than it closed the previous week, yet towards the finish business was even more lifeless than on that occasion, some of the later lots offered being placed with difficulty and others withdrawn. In the event of another small market next week there should be a slight revival in prices, as the trade will by that time have pretty "well cleared out their late heavy purchases. On account of Mr D. Buddo we obtained about the top price of the day, viz., 10s 4d for three pens of very prime wethers, the property of Mr D. Buddo, haUbreds for the same owner selling at 8s sd, maiden ewes at 9s, and aged ewes at 7s 7d; account Messrs Gould and Cameron, 167 crossbred ewes ;.at 8s 2d to 9s 6d, halfbreds at Ss to 9s 3d ; account Mr W. J3oag, heavy-weight ewes at 8-j to 9s Gd; account Mr R. Fearon, merino ewes at 4s Id; account Mr It. Duncan, halfbred wethers at 8s 10d to 9s, merino wethers at 7s Id to 8s; account Messrs W. and G. Birdling, mixed crossbreds at Ss 3d to B=> 9d, aged ewes at 6s 3d; account Mr Waugb, crossbred ewes at Gs; account Mr H. Jilder, crossbred ewes at 7s Cd ; account Mr J. Gemmell, mixed crossbreds at 9s 2d ; account Mr J. Dixon, crossbred wethers at 10s 2d; account Mr Mason, crossbred wethers at 9s 9d, merino wethers at 5s lid; account Mr W. F. Somervill, ISO crossbred ewes at 6s Gd to 7s 4d, three pens lighter sheep at 5s 9d ; account Mr if. H. Brittau, mixed crossbreds at 6s 9d; account Mr Hog«".u, crossbred ewes at 8s ; account Mr T. JJtiwson, crossbred ewes at 5s 4d; account Mr J. Eaglesome, crossbred wethers at 9s and 9s 6d.

The best mutton barely touched l?d per lb at any part of the sale, good wethers selling at an average of a little over lid, ewes and inferior quality generally about l^d. In fat lambs there was another crowded market, the quality generally being good. For freezing Durposes there were less bought than last week, in fapt there was so litde done in this direction that its effect was scarcely felt. Unable as the local buyers were to absorb the heavy entry, the sale was weak, irregular and marked by a very dull trade, various lines being withdrawn, but the day's prices showed a further drop all round. Lambs which three weeks' since sold at about 8s Cd sold yesterday at 7s to 7s 6d, and so pro ratio down the different grades of quality. To have a correct idea of the effect which the export trade has upon our local values here, one has only to turn to the diiferent market quotations—i.e., at the time when the Belfast works were in full swing, and buyers came regularly to our weekly sales to meet their requirements for this source —and the present, when there is virtually no such demand on account of the collapse by fire of the factory above referred to. Between the rates as ruling in the early pare of December and now there is at least a difference of 2s Cd per head for fat sheep and a less proportional amount on lambs, inasmuch as the few engagements still existing on the part of shippers have been pretty well filled by lambs.

Our sales in lambs were as under:— Consignments account Mr F. H. Brittan, at 6s to 7s; account Mr Stanley, at 5s 9d; account Mr H. Elder, at 6s; account Mr Grant, at 6s 3d; account Mr Davidson, at 5s 3d and os 9d; account Mr Stewart, at 7s and 7s 3d; account Mr Fearon, at 7s (id; account Mr Gills, at 6d 3d and 7s 9d; account Mr Read, at Gs 6d; account Mr Crabb, at 5s ad; account Mr Bowron, at 8s ; account Mr Hogen, at 7s Sd r.nd 7s 9d ; account Mr Henley, at 4s 7d to os iOd ; account Mr Campbell, at 5s lid; account Mr Knsor, at 0s 9d and 7s 3d, &c.

Store Sheep—The transactions of the day in this branch were nominal, very few exchanges taking place. The opening up of the stubbles a few weeks hence and the approach of the breeding season will, no doubt, soon cause an extra demand.' Fat Cattle—Fairly large entry, bulk of which was made up of half and three parts fat cattle, very few prime beasts being on oiler. Sales opened dull, and dragged throughout. Priniest bullocks realised £0 10s to £7 per head, heifers £4 10s to £5 ss, cows £4 to £5 10s each. Our principal sales are as follow:—On account Mr Henry White, 8 steers at £5 7s 6d each ; account Mr Wilson, 12 steers at £0 per head ; account Mrs McConnell, 2 steers at £5 5s each, 2 at £4 each; account Mr Taradale, 5 heifers at £4 17s 6d each ; account Mr Mathews, cows at £3 10s; account Mr Green, 6 cows from £4 7e 6d to £5 5s each; account Mr O'JN'eil, cows at £5; account Mr G. Hutchings, cow £4 os ; account Mr Fleming, cow £3 10s ; account Mr Patterson, cow £3 15s; also a number of old cows at various prices. Veal—About 25 calves yarded. Poor demand. Best brought 10s to 203 each, second quality 7s to 9s each; inferior 3s upwards. Store Cattle—Fairly large entry. A better.demand appears to exist for good qualities. We sold the whole of our entry at most satisfactory prices. Our principal sales were as follows:—9 head of three-year-old steers, good sorts, half fat, at £5 Is per head; a line of fifteen months' old cattle at 21s per head ; a line of well-grown two-year-old steers in forward condition at £2 17* per head; -a line of three-year-old heifers in forward condition at £3 10s per head ; also, aboutr 60 head mixed cattle at full market rate 3.

Dairy Cattle—Small entry; best cows, £3 to £6 each; .ordinary, £2 to £4 each, inferior sorts, 15s to 30s each. We Bold a line of 25 cows at prices- equal to above rates.

Pig3—A fairly large entry, chiefly consisting of porkers and stores. The keen demand which has existed of late was again shown on Wednesday, and every lot was cleared at high rates; in fact, a>l classes of fat pigs are selling quite as well just now as they were during the last curing season. Our clearauce-s were as under—2l weaners at 1225, 12 ac 8s and 8s 6d, 3 porkers at 32s 6d, 2 at 30s, 3 at 235, 6 ■weaners at 8s 6d each.

The totals yarded for the day comprised 5267 sheep, 352 head of cattle, and 182 pigs, of which our entry included 2340 sheep, 159 head of cattle, and 49 pigs, for Messrs W. Boag, Gould and Cameron, R. Fear, R. Duncan, W. and G. Birdling, T.Wausth, H. Elder, J. Gemmell, D. Buddo, J. Dixon, F. Mason, W. F. Somerville,F.'H. Brittan, M. Hogen, T. Dawson, J. Eaglesome. Henderson and Mcßeath, Christchurch Dramage Board, Messrs J. Miller, J. Hodges, J. \V. Chamberlain, J. • Foster, J. Gray, D. Hampton, J. Stanley, W. Grant, J. Davidson, U. Stewart, S. Gibbs, J. Read, W. M. Thompson, T. Croft, G. Bowron, P. Henley, J. Campbell, J. Doling, G. Bryenton, J. Nicholls, G. Goodrick, J. Todd, T. A. Nixon, J. Westaway, H. White, A. Grant, H. McConnell, M. Malley, T. Green, J. O'Neil, G. Hutchings, P. Fiannery, J. Patterson, H. Smith, W. Smith, W. Clark, C. Bailey, T. J. Burns, F. Jowett, A. Hulston, G. Dickenson, F. Tomlinson, D. Moorhouse, W. Hanrahan, M. Livingstone, J. O'Brian, .7. McCallum, F. Walker, S. "Wright, J. Robinson, J. Smiih, C Brake.

Canterbury Horse Market—Last Saturday's entry at Tattersalls consisted of 92 horses of ail descriptions, of which S3 came to hand. Of this number there was about 40 head of draught stock, the most useful of which were comprised in a consignment from Otago sent to hand by Mr W. S. Wilson. To say that the trade was brisk would perhaps lead to a misconception as to the state of the market. Still there was a fair demand for the better class of farm horses, very few of which went out unsold. Unbroken stock did not sell quite as well as at the previous sale, but from what cause no apparent reason could be given. Of the ten horses from South eight were sold, the top price being £45, horses of younger ages, account other owners, selling later on up to £20. Good sorted hack and light harness horses are worth £12 to £15; anything superior to £20; ordinary hacks,£s to £10.

Wool, Sheepskins, Hides, Rongh Fat and Tallow—At our Canterbury Wool and Grain Stores on Thursday last we held our usual weekly sale of the above. A large number of buyers were present; biddings came freely, resulting in one of the most

satisfactory sales that we have held this season. Pelts sold well at up to 2s each. Lambskins realised as high as 2s lid each. Our entry for the week comprised 2556 sheep skins, 63 bags and packages rough fat and tallow, 52 ox hides and calfskins. Country skins sold well at up to 6d par lb. Factory Skins—Privately we have sold several large lines at most satisfactory prices. Rough Fat—Several lines came to hand in heated condition, consequently suffered in price, cest lines, yd to l£d perlb; second quality, 1M to» lgd per lb; inferior lines, Id to l£d. Hides at last week's prices.

Mkssrs Miles asd Co. (per J. T. Ford) report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, January 21th, as follows :—Totals yarded at the Addington Metropolitan market, Wednesday, January 23rd—5267 sheep, 352 head of cattle, Ib 2 pigs. Fat sheep—The entry for yesterday's market was not nearly so heavy as for the past two or three weeks; nevertheless the supply sent forward proved more than sufficient for the requirements of the day. The trade had matters almost completely in their own hands, with the exception that a few of the primest sheep were purchased by a West Coast buyer, only one or two small lines being taken for export. The quality was not of the best, consisting for the most part of crossbred ewes, although there were a few nice lines of crossbred wethers yarded. AH second class mutton receded on last week s quotations, in fact towards the end of the sale it was very difficult to make sales at any price. The decline was not so noticeable in good wether mutton, but the sale taken right through was one of the dullest we have experienced at Addiugton forsome considerable time. We quote beat halfbred wether mutton up to ljd per lb. Crossbred ewe mutton up to per lb. We sold for the Lowclitfe Estate 64 fat crossbred ewes, 8s to 8s 9d ; 100 long wool wethers, 9s 10a to 10s; 120 first cross wethers, 9s lid to 10s; for Coldstream Estate, 130 longwool and first cross ewes at from 6s 6d to 7s 3d. Fat Lambs—The pens set apart for this class of stock were all filled, some of the sheep pens having to be made use of. The lambs offered were principally heavy weights, and very good quality, several excellent freezing lines being yarded. Unfortunately the demand for freezing was nil, and the butchers were unable to cope with the large numbers sent forward, prices consequently receded, and a large number were withdrawn from the sale, owing to prices not reaching vendors' expectations. We sold for Mr Jno. Campion 175 fat lambs (a very good freezing line), at from 8s 3d to 9s, the latter being the top price for the day. Store SheepThere were but two or three lines of store sheep yarded, owing no doubt to the very dry condition of the country and the present low state of the fat sheep tnarke.t Buyers were scarce, and very little business was done. Good young crossbreds were sold up to 7s. Fat Cattle—The supply of fat cattle was about an average one, amonget which there was some very good quality beef on ofier. The attendance of the trade was very poor when the sale opened, but improved considerably before the close. All classes of beef were dull of sale, and prices realised were not a3 high as late quotations, best quality beef not celling at more than 17s perlOOlbs. We sold for Cashmere Estate, 4 steers at £i los each, and fat cows for the same estate at £4 7s 6d. Store Cattle—A fair entry of store cattle, comprising for the most part small lines of farmers' cattle, which, considering the dull state of the fat cattle market, realised very fair prices. The demaud for dairy cows was small, and notwithstanding that there were but few entered the sale was a dull one. Pigs—A larger entry than of late, all classes meeting with good competition and selling freely at late rate 3. We sold for Mr Peter Clinton, Darfield, 3D mixed sorts at from 16s 6d to 40s each. Darlield Saleyards, Friday, January ISfch, 1839.—We held our monthly sale on Friday last at the above yards, when we offered a much smaller entry than usual at these sales. The demand for all classes of sheep was very dulL The dry weather that we have experienced lately has spoilt most of the feed in this district, fanners not caring to burden themselves with sheep which they cannot keep properly and turn out right. We sold two or three smalllinesof fatsheepto country butchers, who attend these yards in force. Our entries were :—For Messrs Charles Early, Thos. McGovern, Burton, Shipley, L. Lan geson and Sons, Jas. Manson, J. Anderson, Ernest Brown, John Day, James Donaldson, W. Brown, Mis Poulson, Charles McCausland, and others, our principal sales being 108 merino ewes with 100 per cent of crossbred lambs at foot, 3s 3d all counted; 50 fat crossbred wethers and maiden ewes, 9s; 120 fat twotooth wethers and maiden ewes, 8s 4d ; 85 fat crossbred ewes at from 5s to 6s (id ; fat merino ewes up to 9s 9d ; two-year-old steers and heifers up to36sGd; store pigs to 13s, and a larjre entry of timber which did not sell so well as usual.

Skins, Fat, &c—We held our weekly s»le of skins, fat, &c. at our Colombo street store on Thursday. There was a fair attendance of the trade, but at this season of the year only small catalogues to offer with the result that business is not so brisk. Pelts were not nearly so eagerly competed for as at la*t sale. Our sales for the week comprise 1119 sheepskins at the following prices:— Butchers' pelts to 2s 2d; ditto lambskins to 2s 6d; factory ditto to 2s 9d; ditto pelts to 2s; fat, l£d and 2d per lb. Hides at late rates.

Messrs Wilson and Sons' report of sales at Farmers' Saleyards for Saturday, the 19th inst.:—Mr Wilson commenced his sale of poultry at eleven to a crowded yard, about equal to some of the Christmas week's, all pens being full, with a number of crates about the yard. However, the demand was equal to the supply, and all was sold at very satisfactory prices. There was a noticeable improvement in the price of hens, which averaged about 2<s Id; much better than for some weeks past. Young roosters are still in short supply, that is anything of sizo fit for killing, 3a 6d to 4s, aud we did get4s9d for a pen; a number of small things, from mere chicks upward, came in, which we were able to place well at what they were worth, from Is upwards. Ducks are not so much in favor, aud are not selling so well as they might, the best young fetched 3s 6d, inferior and old from 2s upward. Geeee do nofc do well, 3s (id to 4s 6d is the.-result of our sales. Turkeys, hens, 6s to 7s 6d; good fat cocks, 133, Air H. Bennetts commenced on the pigs at 12, aud the sale went well; not a large quantity in. Prices—Suckers, 83 Gd, 10s, 11s, 12s 6d; stores, 10s 6d, 18s 6d represent the sales. Horses—The number offered was above, our average, prices varied according to quality. Traps and incidentals about; the yard were next, and 2 light waggons, 2 spring drays, 1 new Whltephapel cart, . and 1 butcher's . < at owners'. reserves; quantity trap and other harness, tanks, tubs, casks, old iron, old potatoes, 4Ssacks new. oats iafc 2s Bd, 20 sacks old ryegrass, part at Is 9d, part at 2s Gd; about 1 ton new potatoes at Id per lb, and the market is open for more*tnan we get at present, Onicns are coming in, and fetch id per ■ lb. Inside sale of furniture, hardware, ebft goods, tools, clocks, piano, Jiknas," '"bacon, cheese, and a number ofpother things; were sold at fair prices.. Land—We sold and closed a block for sheep at 4os 7<l per' acre ; land is looked after. Houses, coo, are letting freely. Money is not so much in request for loans, and farmers have" not borrowed ty the same.extent on their crops as for many years past, which we regard as a very good thing; their crops will be their own, and must make an impression on general business.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, .Limited, reports on the live stock markets for the week ending 24th January, 1889. Totals yarded at Addingtoii Saleyards 23rd inst.:—Sheep, 5267; cattle, 352; pigs. 182. Fat Sheep—Unlike the past few weeks, there was only a moderate entry, comprising the usual variety, with perhaps a smaller proportion of prime wethers up to export demand. Despite the comparatively small supply, the market, though opening rather firmer, displayed op the whole no improvement on values; in fact, first-class quality had a slightly downward tendency. The demand was almost entirely local, supplemented by the operations of a prominent West Coast buyer. We quote mutton at lid to per lb, with c weak market. We sold :—For Mr J. S. White, vf Qhoka, well-grown three-qdarterbred wethers at 9s 5d to 9s 9d, one pen of seconds at 9s; for Mr James Turner, Waikari, half bred wethers 8s 5d to 9s sd, mixed sheep 7s Id. General transactions ruled as follows :— Prime heavy crossbred wethers, 93 to 10s 2d ; mixed sexes and heavy ewes, 8s 6d to te 9d; light weight and inferior, 6s to 7s 6d ; merino wethers, 6s to Bs. Fat Lambs —A large supply came forward, and values were rather easier. We sold for Messrs Oakley and Lewis prime quality atßsod, andothers afc 9< f. for jg. Ja £ Corbett at 6s 10d and 7s. The best quality made from Sβ to 9s, and inferior from 5s upStore Sheep— Only a few pens yarded, and no transactions under the hammer. Pigs—A moderate entry, congesting principally of stores, which met a wadjeate at lolly recent yalues. Cattle—

In the fat pens there was an average supply, consisting chiefly of medium quality. The demand was very slack, and values were even lower. We quote beef at 14s to 16s per xOOlbs. Bullocks made £5 10s to £7 2s od, cows and heifers £3 10s to £5. The store pens were about half filled, and business was dull, especially for large cattle, and quotations being unchanged. Dairy stock were in fair demand, good sorts" bringing £5 10s to £6 10s, inferior £3 upwards. _ , District Sales—At Darfield Yards, 18th inst., there were good entries of all stock. Business was quiet, but most of the lots yarded changed hands at satisfactory prices. We yarded over 1100 sheep, and sold for the Waireka Estate merino ewes at 3s Id and Is 7d, according to description ; and for a client, store merino wethers at 2s 4d. Timber and sundries brought current rates, and draught horses up to £13. At Asbburton County Saleyards, :i2nd in»t., about 3500 sheep were yarded. Business was not brisk, and several withdrawals took place, but those that were disposed of broughtprices fully equal to Addington. rates. Fat merino wethers 6s Ud to Ss, fat crossbred wethers 10s 2d, and mixed sexes 7s to Bs. We sold prime two-tooch wethers from Winchmore at 10s 9d, dry crossbred ewes made 4s Sd, crossbred ewes and lambs Is 8d all counted, mixed two-tooth crossbreds 7s 4d and 8s 2d. We catalogued 1130 sheep. Cattle were very dull of sale.

Messrs C. Newtox and Son report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, the 24th insrant, as follows :— The total numbers of stock yarded at the Addington saleyards on Wednesday last were 52G7 sheep, 252 cattle, and 182 pigs. Fat cattle—There was an ordinary entry, including some very good quality steers, but prices remained about the same as last week, and we do not expect to see any improvement before the winter sets in, Prime bullocks made from £6 to £7 each ; medium weights from £5 to £5 15s, and cows and lighter weights from £3 to £4 10s per head, being at from 13s to 17s per 1001b. In store cattle there was very little business worth recording, but a good enquiry still exists for young cattle, a class of stock very difficult to obtain. Fat sheep —The entry was a lighter one than we have seen for many weeks past, in fact barely one-half of the number that have been yarded for the three pi four previous sales, but notwithstanding this and although the greater part were of good quality, the prices obtained were only equal to the previous week's quotations, exporters still giving their attention to lambs, best wethers made from 9s 6d to 10s 6d each, medium from 8s 0d to 9s, and ewes and inferior wethers from 7s to 9s each, merinos os to 7s 10d each. Eat Lambs —As in the fat sheep market, the entry of lambs compared with previous markets was a small one, and taking this into consideration prices were somewhat easier, though the greater number sent forward were sold; for beet lambs from 9s to 9s 3d each, inferior from 5s to 7s each. Wool, Sheepskius, Hides, Fat, &c—We held our usual weekly sale of the above at our stores in Hereford street on Thursday last, our sales for the week comprising 800 pelts and lambskins. There was a fair attendance of the trade, and we cleared all lota at satisfactory prices. Hides and fat at late rates.

During the week we have sold privately 4000 fat lambs for export and 2000 station merino wethers at satisfactory prices.

Messrs Pyne and Co. report for the week ending Thursday, January 24th :— The total stock yarded yesterday was 5267 sheep, 352 cattle, 182 pigs. Fat Cattle—The pens were sparsely tilled, but even:the small entry did not prevent a further decline in values, the trade requirements being almost nil. In store cattle there was also a very small entry, and apparently very limited business transactions. There appeared to be a fair demand for springers and good young milch cows. Calves sold at usual

rices. Fat Sheep—There was a moderate entry in this class, with 'au equally moderate demand, and although several of the best lines were passed prices were lower than last week, batchers not having worked out their large purchases made during the late glutted markets. In store sheep the entry was very small, but, as in fat sheep, there appeared but few buyers. We must admit we fail to see how would-be purchasers can expect to supply their requirements to greater advantage than at present. In lambs there was once again an overcrowded market, though on the whole the quality was better than last week. There were a few purchasers for export, but values receded somewhat for anything, but extra prime lots. In cattle we sold on account of Mr Smith, Lincoln, fat heifers at £4 7s Gd; good useful steers, two and a half years, dB3 10s; good young milkers, £5 53, M7s Gd, and £3; vealers, 10s 6d. In fat sheep we sold ou account of Balmoral station, 30 merino wethers at 7s 10d. 62 at 6s 7d, 30 at 6s 3d, 30 at 6a 2d; on account of Mr N. L. Buchanan. Bakaia, 23 halfbred β-wes at 63 lid, 24 at 6s 9d ; sold for a client, 60 ewes at 6s 9d. Privately during the week we have placed a line of prime freezing lambs at current rates.

At our skin sale, to-day, there was a good attendance, prices however, varied considerably. We sold pelts at 3d, sd, 6d, Sd, Is Id, Is 2d, Is Gd, Is Bd, Is 9d aud 2s. Lambs, Is Id, Is Bd, Is 9d, Is 10d up to 2s 8d; country broken eroisbreds, Is to 3a ; country full-woolled, 2s 9d, 2s lOd, 3s 3d, 3s 9d, 4s id', 5s 7d and 7s 6d; merinos, 4s 4d, 4s lid to 6s 3d; pieces wool, in bags, 4P per lb ; fat, l|d to.2d; hides at current rates. During the week we have placed several Hues of factory skins at satisfactory prices.

Messrs Bennetts Bros, report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, January 24th, as follows:— There was a fair entry of fat cattle, the balk of which were of good quality. The demand was very dull, and prices showed no improvement whatever. The bidding was most languid throughout, and sales difficult to. eflect. We quote beef at from Ks to 10s Cd per 1001b, Good heavy steers sold at from £6 to JE7 ss. Wo yarded a beautiful line nn account of Messrs Burke Bros., of the Halswell, which sold at from £G 5s to £7 as ; medium weight steers sold at from £5 to £5 15a; heifers and cows from £3 15s to £4 17s Cd. The entry of store cattle was again a small one. The demand for young ones continues firm, but for forward, well-grown cattle the enquiry is very slack, nq dqubt in sympathy with the price of beef, Eighteen months old, welUgrown, mixed steers and heifers sold at from 36s to 50s ; two and three-year-old heifers, £2 10s to £3 10s; and two-aud-a-half-year-old steers, £3 12s (3d to £3 17s Cd. The entry of dairy cows was small, with not much enquiry. Good cows, sold at from £310.3 tp £.0 12s Gd; medium, £3 to £4 10s. The entry of vealers was rather in excess of the demand, and values declined somewhat. Prime calves brought from 10s to 16s 6d; inferior, 6e to 8e tid. No store sheep were yarded worth mentioning, there being only three small entries, consisting of two lots of aged ewes, and 12 Southdown rams, which we sold on account of Mr Muir, Springston, at 17s each. The entry of fat Jamba was again in excess q£ the demand. There were no buyers for export worth mentioning, consequently freezers sutfered more than faip qualjfcy butchers' sorts, the latter being, more easy to quit than last week. Prime lambs sold at from 7s 6d to 8s 6d, medium 5s 6d to 7s, inferior 4s» 10d. We yarded a grand line on account of Messrs Wilcox and Keely, whiph, however, were passed in. The entry was very small compared wfth those of late, a number of the small pens being unoccupied, Tlje market opened briskly, but after one lane had been 'sold the mand became as languid as ever, and, if anything, a further drop on last wepk/s. prices took, place, gey-era,} of good quality wethers were yarded, but these met with even less inquiry than fat ewes, there being absolutely no demand whatever for export. We expect values to still further recede. Mutton sold at from to barely l"fd per lb. Prime crossbred wethers sold at from 93 to 10s 6d. light an 4 medium weights 7s. 9d to 8s 9cL maiden, ewes and wethers from 7s to 8s 9d, aged ewes from 5s 64 to Ss, The, entry Qf pizs was considerably larger tliaq of late, Wβ catalogued the bulk of the entry, and cleared them all at extreme rates. Porkers sold at from 20s to 295, heavier weights from 30s to 395, stores 12s 6d to 235. Cur sales were:—Fat Cattle—On account of Mr W. Carter, 2 steers at £6 7s 6d, 6 turned out unsold; on account Messrs Wilcox and Keily, steers at £6; on account a client, 9, heifers at from £3 ljjs. to. £4 ss; on account Mr Candy, heifers at dB3 12* 6d ; on account Mr Keily, heifers at £4 12s 6d ; on account Mr A. Barker, 3 heifers at £3 17s Gd; on account Messrs Burke Bros., of Halswell, 6 grand steers at from £6 os to £7 ss, 4 turned out unsold. Store Cattle—On account clients, 6 cows at from 4Ss to 70s ; 11 heifers, two to threevseaEold, £2. 103 to i>l 12a 6d; tWe anaVhalf year old steers, £312s Gd to £3 17s 6d. Fat iambs—On account Mr at from 7s 2d te 7s 5d ; on account Mr L. Smith, 14 lambs at 5a 6d; for Mr W. Burke, 11 at 5s 6d; on account Mr W. Benson, 39 at 7s 2d; on account Mr A. W. Muir, 2Q at 5s ; on. account Mr § my the, j'en account a client. 33 at 4s lOd.' Fat' account Mr J. Smith. 18 crossbred ewes at 6s 9d } on account Mr B, Latter. 286 cjoas,-

bred four and six-tooth wethers at 0s 3d, and 84 ewes at 7s; on account Mr W. Burke, 56 crossbred ewes at 6s 6d to 7s. Pigs—On account Mr J. Frost, 7at 11s to 12s 6d; on account Mr R. Geddis, 10 pigs at from 16s 6d to 18s 6d; on account Mr T. Gabbatis, 11 at from 15s 3d to 17s; on account Mr C. Brake, 6 nice pigs at 22s ; on account'Mr Kemp, 43 at from 20s 9d to 23s 6d; on account Mr F. Pepperell, 5 at 8s; on account Mr G. Nott, 3 at 29s 6d ; on account Mr Fassell, 8 at from 20s to 24s 6d; on account Mrs Ellmers, 2 at 30e 6d. Oar entries for the day comprised 1468 sheep, 133 head of cattle, and 95 pigs for Messrs C. T. Dudley, C. Candy, Vv. Mutton, H. B. Clarkson, M. Maloney, W. Keeley, T. Robinson. Walt. Rountree, J. Smith, R. Latter, W. Burke, Jas. Kinley, A. F. Bennetts, A. W. Bennetts, M. Sinclair, W. Benson, A. Smythe, T. Winter, Willcox and Keeley, A. R. Muir, Trott Bros., R. Geddes, T. Gabbatis, C. Brake, P. Kemp, J. Pepperell, G. Trott, Wm. Russell, Mrs Ellmers, Burke Bros., J. Nelland, T. Grabau, H. Bearman, J. W. Payn, H. Storer, J. Haslam, A. Barker, W. Aulsebrook, T. Montgomery, W. Carter, and others. Sheepskins, Hides, Fat, Tallow.—At our stores this day we held our usual weekly sale of above, submitting a fairly heavy entry. The usual attendance of fellmongers assembled, and though the demand was hardly so keen as at last week's sale, and prices hardly so good, the values obtained shouJd be very satisfactory to vendors. Best pelts sold at from 2s to 2s 7d, medium Is 2d to Is 6d, merino pelts Is to Is 7d. lambskins at from Is 6d to 2s Sd, full woolled skins sold at from 4s 2d to ss.

Fat and Tallow —The condition of most of the fat was not very good; best dry fat fetched 2d per lb, second quality l£d to l|d per lb. Hides and calfskins unaltered.

J. R. King and Co. report for the week ending January 19th on the live stock and produce market* — The regular sale of horses, cows, calves, pigs, and poultry was conducted on Saturday last in the yards. Favored with flue weather the attendance of buyers was larger thau usual. The entries also showed considerable improvement on the previous weeks. The capacity of the yarde was fully taxed. Keen interest, coupled with spirited competition, was unllagginffly maintained throughout the sale. The number of pigs yarded reached 123, and the prices realised showed an advance of at least 2s 6d per head on the previous week. Many buyers refused to operate in consequence of the increased values ruliug. We anticipate a continuing demand, so that there is little chance of prices receding for some time to ccme. Poultry—ln plentiful supply, only a few pens unfilled. The demand was fairly good, and some lines showed a slight improvement ou previous values. Roosters and turkeys especially sell well. Horses—Only a small entry, which sold at late values. Cows and calves—The former in limited supply and sold well, tbe latter in large supply. All, however, sold at prices satisfactory to clients. Grain and Produce—With the bright prospects of a good and plentiful harvest comes the report that lower prices rule in the European markets. The demand for Australia has also considerably fallen off, so that it is somewhat difficult to prognosticate what this market will be likely to open at for this season's supply. This much we do know, £hac old wheat has fallen in value. How this will all'ect the new we cannot say. The oat market is also' a blissful uncertainty. Buyers refuse to operate at late values, and sellers tenaciously hold in the prospect of Australia being a large consumer. Thisj however, is doubtful. What the outcome will be time will alone tell. In barley there is nothing doing; a limited quantity selling for feed purposes only, and at a reduction on late values. The market is now fully well supplied with new potatoes, which sell well in limited quantities. Dairy produce is not so arm in price as it was, some lines show a considerable falling off in value. The following are our quotations:—Wheat, 3s 6d to 3s 9d; chick wheat, 3s to 3s 3d; oats, 2s 7d to 2s 9d; beans, 3s 3d to 3s 6d: ryegrass, 2s 9d to 3s b"d; flour, £11 to £12 per ton; oatmeal, £20; kidney potatoes, 9s to 10s cwt; cheese, old sd, new 4d to 4Ad; hams and bacon, Pigs —Suckers! 10a to 12s 6d; stores, 15s to 2ls; porkers, 26a to 325; baconers, 46s 6d to sas; sows, 41s to 565. PoultryHens, Is 9d to 2s 8d; roosters, 2s 0d to 4s; ducks, 2a 3d to 3s 6d; ducklings, Is 9d to 2s 6d; turkeys, chickens, 6s; geese, 3s Gd to 4s; very young birds brought 2s (id to 3s; pigeons, Is 6d to 3s.

.Mr F. C. Tabajrt reports en the live stock market for the week ending 25th January, as follows:—The total number of- stock yarded at the Addington yards, comprised 5207 sheep and lambs, 352 head of cattle, and 182 pigs. Fab Cattle—There was a full entry which met with a very poor demand, the trade being disinclined to speculate, limiting their purchases to actual requirements, consequently sales were difficult to effect, even at reduced values, and several pens of prime quality cattle were passed out unsold. Best bullocks made from £j 5s to £7 2s 6d, lighter weights made fro ax £4 los upwards ; heifers and fat cows (which met with the readiest sale) made £5 to £6 2s Cd for best quality, and £3 10s upwards for medium and Inferior. Store Cattle — There was a fair entry and a better disposition on the part of graziers led to a fair amount of business being done. Good' three-year-old steers made from £4 10s to £4 15s; medium, £3 17s 6d upwards ; heifers, £3 to £3 10s ; two-year-old steers, £215 ato £3 ss; yearlings, 20s to 30s, according to condition and breeding. Fat Saeep— A very small yarding compared to the large numbers which have been brought forward lately, notwithstanding which there was a at 11 further decline in values, and several lines were passed onfc unsold. There was no demand for freeeers, and nearly all the best wethers on offer were purchased for the West Coast at a decline of from 6d to Is per head; best crossbred wethers ing from 99 to 10s; medium, 8s upwards; fat ewes, 7s 6d to 8s 0d for best quality, (fa for medium ; merino wethers, as to 6s sd. Lambs—There was a very heavy-entry, and as there was but a limited demand for freezers some of the best lines were passed out unsold. Best pens made 8s to 9s, medium 6s upwards, and inferior as low as 4s od. Store Sheep—A very small entry, and the business done unimportant. Pigs —The few in met with a keen, demand, and every pen was cleared at extreme values, Sheepskins, Rough Fat, Hides, and Calfskins —My sales for the week comprise 2227 sheepskins, 102 bags and packages .of rough fat, and about SO hides and calfskins. There was the upual attendance of fellmengere, but competition was harely »s brisk as at the previous, week's sales. Butchers' lieat crossbred pelts made 2s, 2s 3d, 2s od, to 2s 7d; medium, Is 3d upwards; merinos, Is 6d, Is S)d,'to Is lid ; medium, Is upwards ; lambs, best quality and well-cared-foi\ Sa 4d, 2s 6d, 2* 9d, up to 2s lid ; interior Is 5d upwards; f ull-woolled urossbred skins up to 6s. aqd. ifterino to as od. Bough Fat— Best'quality well-saved 13d to 2d, medium, l£d, and inferior Id. Hides and cajfafcias are without change in values.

_ Mn O, Tbomas (late of Matson, Cox and Oα, reports upon the live stock market for the Ashburton district for tbe week ending January 22nd as fallows -—On Tuesday at the Aehbu-fcon Yards I held my usual weekly sales of sheep, cattle and piss. The total entry for the day comprised. 2995 sheep and 41 head of cattle, of which I sold 2243 sheep and 15 head of cattle. There was a fair attendance of buyers, but bidding was not very brisk, hert after the sale all lines were cleared, w.lth. the exception of a very good lino of h.aggeia, whlefi did not reach owner's reserve. The following were the prices realised:—Fat crossbred ewes 7s to 8a fat crossbred wethers 10s 2d to 12s. 6d, fat two-tooth ewes and wetheva 8s Id to 8s 2a", crossbred sa, full mouth crossbred ewes 4s 8d and 5s 6d, two-tooth, ewes and wethers 8s 3d, croisbred.ewes and lambs, all counted, 4s 8d ; crossbred two-tooth in poor condition 7s 44, freezing lambs 9s, In cattle, fat heifers 4J3 10s, oawa i53Ss to £410s, calves 12s. I also held a clearing sale on the previous Friday on the farm of the late S. McLearv, which was the most successful I have conducted for years past. The farm realised £8 10s per acre, besides the crop whioh sold as follows—the wheat crop, containing 165 acres, at £2, 15s, a.nd the oats, containing 60 acraa, at £3 Is, The implements reajise.4 fqU market rates. Horses, good $lQ]|>tsa.qd \n good condition, from £20 10s to ifigO} eets harness, from £2 los to £4155; fat steers, £4 12s 6d ; cows, from £3 5s to £3 lGd.