MARKET REPORTS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7870, 22 May 1891, Page 2

MARKET REPORTS.

LIVE STOCEC, 40.

Mkssrs H. Matsox and Co. (associated with the National M. aud A. Company of N~Z., Lto.), report ou the Addington Live Stock Market tor the week ending Thursday, 21st -lay, 1891, as tallows :— The baoyaucy ot values in the sheep market is very cheering to the farmer.*. Competition at the various auctions, to say the least, is of a most happy character ; let us hope that tuoie bom in spirited enterprise may reap a good harvest, aud that the high rates of purchase forced upon them will yet leave a good profit aad satisfactory results. The entry for the day comprised fcJGO sheep, 3JJ cattle and 519 pigs, of which oar entry comprised 1000 sheep (all fni), 150 cattle and 270 pigs for the following clients, viz.:—Messrs 1?. Benharn, Geo. Rutherford, A, A. and R. McMaster, Walter Wilkinsoa, William Walker, Johu Coleman, Henry Washbourne, jun., P. Busch, P. McShaue, J. G. Ruddeuklaa, Wm. Buss, M. Valles, Goodwin Bros., if. Harries, J. -icGregor, J no. G. R. Rankin, D. Hampton, J. Murray, M. Gallagher, T. Hodgson, P. FUnnsry, Christchurch Drainage Board, P. Welsh, P. Murphy, John Wright, A. .Dawson, E. Johustone, F. Carter, T. Saddler, G. Carter, H. Parker, F. McCabe, J. Stark, R. Guthrie, Mrs McGuire, F. iiedmane, G. Peak, H. J. Stone, W. Boyd, J. O'Brien.

Fat Sheep—Large entry to hand. Buyers mastered iv full force, and a large amount Of business was done. Competition was brisk, and prices obtained were very a.m. Best crossbred wethers sold at from 193 to 225, best freezing wethers and maiden ewes sold at from 17s (id to 19s, medium do from 153 Od to 16s 9d, merino wethers realised from 8.4 od to 14s od, prime tat ewes soid at from 123 to 16s, medium do at L om 8s 6d co lis 6d each.

Oar principal sales were as follows:— On account Mr F. Benham, a line line of crossbred wethers at from lbs to 19a 3d ; on account a client, half bred, wethers and maiden ewes at from 13s 6d to 14s 4d ; on account Mr Coleman, crossbred wet tiers and maideu ewes at from 14s co 14s 2d ; for a client, crossbred ewes from lis 8d to 13s; on account Mr H. Washbourne, Jan., a line ot grand crossbred wethers aau maiden ewes at from 10s 3d to 13s lid; for a client, crossbred wethers and maiden ewes at from 13s 9d to 14s lOd; on account Mr F. Busch, crossbred ewes at 12s Id; for Mr McSuane, a flue lot of freezers from 13s 9d to 17s 9d; for a client, crossbred ewes at 13s 7d ; on accounc Ml* J. G. Ruddenklau, crossbred wethers from las to 15s lOd; on account MrH. W. Ashbourne, Jan., crossbred ewes at from 9s 9d to lis lOd; for a client, merino wethers from 7s Id co 9* Id; on account Messrs A. A. aud It. McMastdr, a Hue of merino wethers at irom Ud 10d to 12s ;on account Mr W. Wilkiusoa, crossbred ewes at lis 3d; for a client, crossbred wethers aud maiden ewes at from 13j 6d to 13i 8i ;ou account Mr Buss, a line of merino ewes ao from (is od to 8s 21; on account Mi* Wm. Walker, a line of crossbred ewes at l_s.

Store Sheep—Small number yarded. Competition was irregular. Sheep suitable for putting on the turulns were much enquired for, but other sorts were neglected ; two-too.h wethers and maiden ewee sold from 10s to 1-s ; four-tooth do at from 10< 9d Co lis 9d to 13s as per quality. Fat Lambs—Only a few pens to hand, Competition was very doll. Beat sorts sold at from 8s 6d to 9* 9d.

Pat Cattle—Large entry; about 230 head yarded. Several pens ot prime heavy weights were yarded, but the bulk of the cattle ottered were only half and three parts fat. Biddings were brisker than of late, aud better values were obtained. The bulk of the entry was made up of steers and heifers, very few cows being on offer. Prices varied, according to quality, from 16s to 20s per 1001b. Two exceptionally heavy bullocks, imported from the North Island last spring, sold at £12 10s each ; other steers sold at JtQ 10s to £7, heifers J£s to #7, cows £4 to £3 10s each. Our principal sales were as follows:—Account Mr Geo. Ruthei ford, steers at £6 7s 6d to £7 per head, cows at £4 15s to £5 lvis; account Mr Mitchell, cows at £4 12s od; steers for another owner at £6 10s, heifers at £4; account Messrs Goodwin Bros., heifers at £S as to £5 17a 6d, heifers at £4 12s 6d, cows at £5; account Mr Harris, cows at £3 15s; account Mr McGregor, cows at £3 7s 6d to £4; account Mr Hawdon, cows, £4 Ids; account Mr Johns, cows at £3155. Veal—Small eutry, best calves 25s to SSs each, others at prices varying between between 7s and 20s each.

Dairy Cattle—Small entry, best cows commanded'decidedly better prices, and sold at £ff, £7 to £9 10s each, others £2 10s to £4 each.

Store Cattle—Small entry, which met with a poor demand, notning offering worth reporting at Wednesday s sale. Privately we have completed the sale lately of 890 head of mixed cattle at satisfactory rates. Pigs—Full market. The 'sale commenced at 1 P-m.. biddings were brisker than of late, and better values were obtained until about half the eucry iiad been submitted, when the prices fell away, and late rates had to be accepted to effect sales. Bacon pigs sold at 27s to 40s, heavier 45s to £2 15s, porkers 12s to 255, stores os to 143 each. Our principal sales were as follows:—Account Mr Dawson, 2 choppers at £1 18a, 7 baconers at £1 14s, 7 at £1 14s, 7 at £1 10i 61, 7 at £l 9s, 5 at £1 I\\ 11 at 20s, 11 porkers at 15s; account Mr Carter, porkers at 12s; account Mr Sadie.-, baconers ut £1 10s; account Mr Christmas, baconers at £1 73, porkers at 19s; account Mr Carter, porksrs at 19s, porkers at 17s, porkers at 16s, account Mr Parker, porkers at 18s Bd, porkers at 16s Cd, porkers at 16 i, porkers at 13s; account Mr McCabe, 11 baconers at £1 lis, 7 at £1 9s, 4 porkers at 19s ; account Mr Starke, pigs at 13s to 21s; account Mr Nflson, pigs at 22s 6d; account Mr MoGuire, baconers at £1 13s ; account Mr Red inane, porkers at 19s 6d; account Mr Wright, porkers at 255; account Mr Stone, baconers at £1 9s; account Mr Nilson, stores at 6s ; account Mr O'Brien, Bat £16s 6d, 12 at 30s, 9at 16s 6J, lat 14s. 12 at 8s 6d; account Mrs Bush. lat £1 17s 6d, 5 at 20s, 5 at 16s, 6 at 16s, 6 at 15s, 2 at 12s. . .

Country Sales—On Monday, the 11th of May, we held a clearing sale on account of Mr Charles Campbell, of Waddington. He having sold his farm, his instructions were to sell every lob to the highest bidder. Fairly good prices were obtained, and overy lot found a fresh owner. On Tuesday, May 12tb, at Kirwee, we conducted a clearing sale ao Mr Laffery's. Biddiugs were fairly spirited. Every lot was sold to the highest bidder, and fairly satisfactory prices were obtained. Engine and combine sold at £260, reapers and binders at £16 to £23, oats at prices equal to about Is 6d per bushel on the place, sundries at full prices. Darfield Sale—On Friday, the lotn inst., was the day set apart for the above market. About 3000 sheep were yarded. Biddings were brisk, and good prices were obtained. Store Lambs sold at 7s 6d to 6s 9d, fat sheep 14s 6d to 15s 3d; fat merino ewes at 6s to 7s 6d each, merino ewes with failing mouths at 8s to 4a each, two-tooth halfbreds at 9s 6d to lis each. Cattle—Small entry; poor prices; nothing worth reporting. Large entries of timber and sundries, which met with a vary poor demand. Wool, Sheepskins, Hides, and Tallow —The entry for the week was large. The sale of factory skins formed a unique feature. The prices paid by that wonderful band of pioneers is quite good enough, and should satisfy the gifeard of the greatest cormorant in the basil trade. We admire the small fraternity, and respect their single-mindedness, for they compete with an abandon which is unfoundin other trades. Values ruled high; best skihe up to 5s 6d to 6s, each since shearing. Hides, old tale. Rough Fat and Tallow—The articles are taken line upon line. "King"first to-day, the Hancock second, the P. and P» a good runner-up, and a Hawker or a Jackson at the finish. We require an alteration, and a very great one, in this trade, and in ox hides. Land Department—Last week we reported the sale of 256 acres, being portion of the Sedgemere Estate, Southbridge, as the property of Mr J, R. Inwood (it should have been Mr D. L. Inwood). We have now succeeded in bringing about a sale of the balance of the property, viz., 200 acres, with house, &&, to the same buyer, At the owner's reserve, viz., £20 per acre. We have also olosed the sale to Mr Dabby, Of Papanui, of Lots 9 to 15, on sale plan, of the St, Albans Farm, Papanui, comprising iv all 45 acres 3 roods, with house and improvements thereon, the property of Mr Wm. Homer, for the sum of £2600, and the interest in lease of 80 acres on the Lincoln road, at owner's reserve. We have a good inquiry for farms ranging from 200 to 1000 acres, and are now in negotiation for the sale of several properties placed in our hands for disposal, and feel confident of being in a position to report further sales very shortly. There is no difficulty in placing handy-steed properties if the price is only fair aud reasonable, and we can find any number of bona fide men ready to lease properties, with or without purcnaaing clause, at fair rentals. We nava an inquiry for good orchards near town, say from 5 to 20 acres. Caotarbuxv Horse Market,—At Tatter-

J sail's on Saturday last we held our usual \ weekly horse sale. There was a large : catalogue submitted to auction. Competition was if anything a little spasmodic, buyers not caring to operate too extensively now the winter weather has safe in, causing a shrinkage ia th* pasturage and as a consequence buyers do not like to be overstocked. Any likely aorta suitable for present requirements were secured at full rates. Best draught farm horses sold at from £16 to £20: upstanding; hacks and harness horses with plenty of style and good p_ce3 sold at from £11 to £18 according to quality. bpecial Sales—lt has been our privilege and pleasure to conduct tbe following sale:-—Ou account of Mr Wm. Holley we conducted a cloaring sale of horses, sheep, aud implements. There was a very large gathering of the general public, including visitors from Blenheim and other parts of New Zealand. Notwithstanding the excellent quality of the horse and sheep stock competition was languid, bur. for implements, &c, the reverse obtained. Let us say that the acceptation of no reserve was fully appreciated by those in attendance and the vendor's as->uranee that every lot offered met with the respect it merited. Some men tell the auctioneer " uo r nerve," and by juaicious trickery employ innocent friends to buy in stock -ad then request tho auctioneer to rebate co-muiUsion as & parties criminis in utiluiug efforts to rob the people. Is is quite needless to say that a cleaner auction sale was never held. The gee up of the sale, the quality of the stock, the arrangements in general Were simply superb. The young men of the " Holly Family" showed out distinctly that a well trained family ot true and good agriculturists was to be found in New Zealand, and that Leeston was an exemplary district.

Messhs Miles awd Co. (per J. T. Ford) report on the llvo stock market for the week ending Thursday, May 21st, as follows:—At the Canterbury Saleyards, Addington, on Wednesday, 20tb inst., the stock penned for the day's sale comprised 393 head of cuttle, 6260 sheep, and 519 pigs. Commencing at 9 a.m. with the fat cattle, of which there was an average of fairly good quality, with some very prime bullocks, former values were well maintained through the sale, and in some cases exceeded, as it was estimated that some extra prime beasts brought fully 20s per 1001b.

A small entry of store cattle, and as the demand is languid, the sale dragged heavily, except for good dairy cows and heifers, which, as is usual at this season of the year, brought good prices. Store Sheep—All good young stores are still sought after, also ewes in lamb, both crossbreds and tnerino3. On Wednesday the entry was limited to about 1500 of all sorts. Crossbreds brought from 8s to 10s ; crossbred wutners, nearly fat. from 12s lOd to 10*; half bred do, up to 12s 9d ; old cull crossbred ewes in lamb, 8s 3d; crossbred lambs, 8s 6d, 9s 7d to lis ; merino wethers, 3s 3d, 7s to Bs. Fat Sheep—About 4000 penned, comprising several lives of good quality, suitable for export. Owing perhaps to the stormy weather which set in at tho time of commencing the fab sheep s de, biddings were not so brisk as formerly, but a fair clearauce was effected at prices for all good sheep fully equal to former rates. Merino wethers and fat crossbred ewes were perhaps a shade easier, with a somewhat irrejjiilar sale, bat we do not quote any appreciable decline in values. Pigs-Aaotlier large entry. Values do not improve; in fact, as a rule, lower prices were obtained. Our sales were as follows :—On account of a client, 89 cros-ibred wethers, 18i Id to 18s 6d; on account Mr S. J. Mullins, 113 crossbred ewes aud wethers, 12s 3d to 17s; on account Mr P. H. McShane, 61 crossbred ewes and wethers, 16s 9d to 18s 3d; on account Mount Hutt estate, 64 crossbred ewes, lis to lis 8d; on account Messrs D. Henderson aud Son, 60 crossbred ewes aud wethers, 14s lid to 16s 6d ; on account of a client, 92 fat merino ewes, 6* Sd to 6< 9d ; on account Mr R. R. Bell, 100 merino wethers, 3s 3d to 8s; on account Mr H. Donaldson, 32 bacon pigs, small, £1 2s to £1 8s 6d; ou account Mr J. Withell, 12 baconers, £1 6s to £1 9s 6d, 48 small pigs 16s to 19s; on account Mr J". Pape, 2 baconers, £1 15s 6d. Ashburton County Saleyards, Tuesday, 19th inst.—We have again the pleasure of recording a very fall entry of sheep for this market, probably about 8000. Buyers were in force from the North and South, also from the surrounding districts, and the result a brisk sale for anything fat or in forward condition, or possessing an aptitude to fatten. Crossbred lambs, crossbred ewes, and merino ewes in lamb, are also enquired for, and sell readily if sound mouthed. Merino wethers are also briuging full rates for fattening on turnips. Of cattle and pigs the entry was very limited. We penned 3SOO sheep, 4 cattle, and 4 pigs, and our sales were as follows:—On account of Mr A. B. Peache, Mount Somers estate, 750 crossbred wethers good stores, 12s 3d, 12s lid, 13s, to 14s 3d, also 400 full mouthed merino wethers, good stores, 7s Id each; for Messrs F. and J. Harrison, crossbred wethers at 10s Bd, and merino wethers, 840, 7s to 7s Id, cull do 3s lid each ; for other clients, fat ewes at lis, crossbred lambs at 7s 9d, and old cull merino wethers at 2s, 2s 9d, ewes at 3s Id. -Fat cows and heifers £3 7s 6d, £4 ss, to £7 lis 6d. Pigs -3 at 335, 1 at 30s.

Darfield, Friday, loth inst.—There was a large attendance at this sale, and the entry of stock, so far as quality is concerned, would compare favorably with Addington or any of our local markets. The demand being very good, almost -very lot was cleared at prices that could not fail to be very satisfactory to vendors. Our entry comprised 1750 sheep, a few head of cattle, horses, and sundries, and our sales were as follows:—Crossbred wethers and maiden ewes 15s, 15s 6d, to 16s 4d, fat crossbred ewes 10s, fat merino wethers 10s Bd, fat merino ewes 5s 7d to 5s 9d, merino wethers sound moutb 5s 9d to 7s 7d, crossbred lambs 6s 7d to 8s lid. Greendale —We held a clearing sale at Mr William Begg's farm ou Friday, 16th inst., when we submitted a lot of useful farm horses and brood mares (draughts), also farm implements in good order. The sale was well attended by the surrounding settlers, and the prices obtained, though noc high, must be deemed satisfactory. Draught horses ' sold as follows:—£10, £11, £1110s, £12 10s, £16, £18 10s, £21, £24, £27, aged horses £5 to £7; crossbred lambs 8s lid, crossbred ewes 7s 7d each; cattle, dry cows 265, young cattle 263 each; Cambridge roller £10, D.F. ploughs £7, £8, £9s 10s, iron harrows £6 2s to £6 15s each set, reaper and binder £16, drays and frames £8 to £810s, far m waggon £11, chaffcutter aud horse power £14, harness, oatshoaf chaff, seconds wheat, oats, &c, at full market rates. Skins, Fat, &c— At our skin sale on Thursday there was a good attendance, brisk competition, and satisfactory prices. We sold butchers' crossbreds up to 5s 6d, ditto merinos to 5s 2d, which we believe is the top price this season, country skins to 4s Bd. Fat, 22 packages from ljd to l§d per lb ; and 26 hides and calfskins at late rates,

Thst New Zeal and Loan and Mercantile Agency Company/, Limited, report on the live stock market for the week ending 21st May, 1891, as follows :—At the Addington weekly market on 20th inst., stock was penned, via., sheep, 6260 ; cattle, 393 ; pigs, 519, Notwithstanding a keen sou-west rain, there was a good attendance, Including a number of farmers, whose errand was certainly not thst of pleasure or curiosity but business, which confirms our statement that there is still a keen demand for sheep, especially those suitable to go on turnips. Store Sheep—The entry, which totalled about 1500, consisted of small lots of various descriptions. Bidding was brisk, and every lot Was cleared at very satisfactory prices to vendors. For the Cashmere Estate, we sold a line of fresh conditioned empty crossbred ewes at 10s lOd ; and for a client, a line of cull merino wethers at 2s sd. Crossbred lambs brought Bs, 9s 9d, and Us; two-tooth crossbreds made 12s 4d to 12s 9d; crossbred ewes, 8s; aged merino wethers, 2s 3d to 8s 6d; do merino ewes, 3s 9d.

Fat Sheep—Tbe dry fine weather we have been having has atauy rate been beneficial to stock, and full entries are tbe result. As regards quality the supply was very mixed, prime crossbreds were comparatively scarce, merino decidedly below the average number, and some really prime, leaving crossbred ewes and light twotooths to form the bulk of the entry. Competition opened keenly, but fluctuated at different points, taken as a whole, however, late values were fully maintained. Our entries included the following :— For the Cashmere estate, 70 crossbred wethers at 15s, 50 haifbred dp at 12s lOd, 28 crossbred ewes at 12s lOd, 25 at 12* Id, 27 at Us 7d, 27 at lis Id; for a client, 30 haifbred wethers at 15a, 50 mixed balfbreds at 14s, 25 assorted ewes 10s 8d and 25 do at 10s 2d; for Mr A. Wiffin, 28 haifbred wefchers at J4s 2d, 20 mixed at I4s, 20 at 13s 7d, also a lihe of crossbred ewes at 10s; for Messrs D. and A. Macfarlane, 30 merino wethers at lis 2d, 75 do at 10s 7d. Best crossbred wethers brought 16s to 19* 04, do mixed sexes

143 to 17s 6d, do ewes 12s to 16s. Merino wethers made 10s to 12s.

Fat Cattle—The tone of the beef market was unusually healthy. Good value waa realised for prime quality, of whioh tt must be noted there was a food prvpostton Included in the larga «a~ry. Bees steer beef made equal to 18s id par 1001b, inferior being neglected at as low as 16s. Store and Dairy Gettla—Ws have to report a moderate busiaass at lata values. Pigs —A large yarding, consisting mostly of baconers and porkers. Values of tbe previous weak were just about maintained for suitable baconers, while porkers were in too plentiful supply and consequently vendors suffered slightly. District Sales—At the Darfield saleyards on 15th inst. a fair day's business was transacted. The entry comprised about 4000 sheep, a few head of cattle, and sundries. A large attendance was present aud buyers in plenty. Good prices were realised all through. In fact those for fat sheep were quite equal to town values. We sold for Mr J. Barrett, 300 two-tooth halfbreds at lis ; for Mr Wallis, 00 fat crossbred ewes at 18s; for the executors Torlesse estate, 300 merino wethers at 3s 7d, and 150 oull do at is 4d; fat crossbreds brought 15s to 10* 4d; do do ewes, 10« to 12s ; do meriuo ewes, 7s od ; do merino wethers, 10a Sd; crossbred lambs made 6s 7d to 8s 8d; store merino wethers, Ss 7d to 7s 7d. Ac the Ashburton county saleyards on 19th inst., about 6000 sheep were submitted under the hammer to the usual fall attendance. A steady enquiry exists for young sheep in good condition, and a clearance was effected at very satisfactory values, which goes to assure us that the country 13 not iv such a bad state as it was supposed to be. We sold for Messrs Wallace aud Kind a line of well grown crossbred lambs, 500, at 9s 7d, and for the same owners 100 do at 7s Sd ; for a olieut, 400 merino ewes iv lamb at 6* 3d; several lines of merino wethers direct from the station brought from 7s to 9s 4d; cull do, 3* 7d ; crossbred wethers made 12* 3d to 13s Cd; do lambs, 7s 8d to 9s 7d; meriuo ewes, 3s 6d, 4s 6d and 6s 3d. Privately during the week we have sold 6000 merino ewes aad wethers at current rates.

I Wilson and Sons for past week have been fairly busy, and if only potatoes were but a bit near tbe mark we should pull through nicely, but with thousands of tons, one of the heaviest crops for many years and large acreage, and a price at freezing point, things look a Übtle queer. Wheat has lowered a bit, but seems to rally, and as Portugal is reducing their protection tariff to let some go there, it looks like helping to keep things in the balance. Ia oats we have nothing fresh to say. In traps we make a good show, aad are able to suit most comers. Farm drays, spring drays come and go quickly. Single and doublebuggies, a fair sale. We regulate prices aid terms to suit buyers, having such variety. Our cheese, bacon, furniture, aud general business is about as usual. Cheese—We are largely stocked, and prime quality. In live stock we command the assistance of lots of growers. Poultry last Saturday did better as a whole. We filled up well and buyers rolled up well. Hens averaged over 2s and roosters of size and flesh averaged over 3s, ducks averaged over 3s 3d and geese 4s 4d. Turkeys, a quantity in. Best birds 20s, inferior less. We are satisfied with the sale aud it takes something to satisfy us. Pigs—Good yardage. Pork, ready sale at 3d to 3£d, and some a little more. Stores, powe, and aU chis class fouud ready market. Only growlers were the pigs. The younger family are improving—that is all of auV size and breeding—is to 6s being obtained. We had some, very small and poor, fetching 3s. The young ones must improve, feed so abundant. Horoes —Some better class came, and several sales were made. We expect to do better in this business shortly. We had two outside sales which were successful, and have done some letting of property. We have a number of inquiries both to buy and sell farms. ! Many are goiug to the North Island for land, and some are coming from there for land, so it is a matter for exchange.

Messrs Ptnb and Co. report for the week ending Thursday, May 21st s—The total number of stock yarded comprised 6260 sheep, 393 cattle, 519 pig->. The weather yesterday was nnythlug bat pleasant for those whose business necessiated their remaining all. day at the' yards. The attendance, as a matter of course, was wore limited, than usual, and stock no doubt suffered in appearance considerably. The new arrangement of selling pigs and sheep at the same time, although answering its purpose by enabling the market to finish earlier, at the same time often prevents butchers being able to bid for any particular line of sheep or pigs as the case may Jpe. There was a fair average supply of .beef, the quality, however, being moderate. There was.a decidedly bettor demand and although values were not materially effected, still there was an improvement. Best bullocks made up to 19* per 1001b, medium quality and fat cows 16s 6dL We sola two extra heavy bullocks for Mr Sefton at £12 10s. The store cattle yards were supplied with tne usual assortment of old cows, which commanded no attention. Young cattle were also neglected, but really good springers sold well. Taking the fat sheep market right through, the quality, we consider, was above the average. The demand, however, was most irregular, there being a difference of fully 2s per head iv some instances in sheep of equal quality and weight. We topped the market with some excellently finished wethers from the Horsley Downs Estate at 19s 6d. Best freezing quality went from 16s to 18s, medium 14s to 15s 6d, ewes 8s to 16s, a few up to 20s 6d, merino wethers 7s 3d to 12s 3d. The market for store sheep seems over for the present; however, whenever any useful lines of young sheep come forward buyers are always prepared to give §ood values. Yesterday forward 2-tooths rought from lis 6d to 12s 8d; hoggets up to 10s 6d; merino wethers 6s; ewes 4s to 1 4s 6d. Fat lamb's a very small yardiog which sold at up to'los 9d in the wool and 6s 6d shorn. There was again a large yarding of pigs, which sold at last week s quotations, viz., about 3d per lb. Privately during the week we have disposed of several lines of store sheep, amongst others a line of 1550 4 and 6-tooth wetheis, all at full market rates. We have also placed some 10,000 bushels of barley at current rates. Skins—The factory at Belfast being closed for the present pur sales of skins this week have been lighter than uspai. Best crossbreds realised from 4s 6d to 5» 6d, medium 8s to 4s, merinos 2s 9d to 4s. Fat and hides late rates.

Mr F. C. Tababt reports on the live stock market for the week ending 21st May, as follows:—Tbe total number of stock yarded at tbe Addington Yards comprised 6260 sheep, 393 head of cattle, and 519 pigs. Fat Cattle—About 200 head were brought forward for .the week's supply. The quality generally showed an improvement on last week's supply, and competition was decidedly better for all good quality. Two very superior heavy bullocks made up to £12 10s. Good useful steers made from £5 10s to £3 17s 6d, lighter weights £415s upwards. Best cows and: heifers made £$5* to. £A 1% W, medium and inferior £3 15s upwards. Theugh several pens were passed out unsold, a fair clearance was effected. Store Cattle—Very few in,'principally old cows, and the market is without any improvement. Fat Sheep—A full entry of generally better quality and weights than last week's supply. Despite the bad weather there was good competition all through for prim* quality sheep fit for freezing, butfoldewes and merino wethers sufferedallfctle in value. Pens of best crossbred wethers mads 16s, 16* 6d, 17s, 17s 6d, 18s to 19s 6d ; medium 13s 6d, upwards ; crossbred maiden ewes 14s to Id* 6d; fat crossbred ewes 13s to 14s 7d for top pens; medium lis to 12s 9d; light weights 9s Cd, upwards; merino wethers, best pens, 10s to lis Bd; medium and inferior, 7s 3d upwards; fat merino ewes, 5s 6d to 8s lid. A good clearance was effected. Store Sheep—A small entry, which sold fairly weu. Good forwardconditioned .crossbred wethers made up from 12s 5d to 12s 9d, and ewes from 8s to 10s. Some very superior crossbred lauibe made up to lis, others from 8s to 9s 9d ; merino ewes, 3s to 3s 6d; merino wethers, 2* 6d to 3s 2d. Pigs—A large entry, tbe whole of which were cleared at about last week's values.

Sheepskins, Wool, Rough Fat, Hides and Calfskins—My sales for the weak comprise 2918 sheepskins, 67 bags and packages of rough fat, and about 53 hides and calfskins. There was the usual attendance of fellmongers. Competition was keen, and all lots cleared at the following values :— Butchers 1 best crossbreds made 6s, 6s 3d, 6s 6d, 5s 8d to 6* Ud; medium, 4s to 4s lOd; small, 8s 6d upwards; butchers' beat merino, B* 6d to 4s 3d; small and medium, 2s 6d upwards; country skins, very few forward, merino, Is Id; greasy do, 7d; crossbred, 7*d. Rough Fat—l_d an d l|d for best parcels; l_d to lid for medium, _d and Jd for inferior, rendered fat 2d. Hides and calfskins are without alteration.

Messrs Toohuntbb ANb JalwiNaa report on the live stook market for the weejr. ending Thursday. May 81st. as follows :-At Addijgtoo, on Wednesday,

6360 sheep, 883 head of cattlo, and r-o nigs were yarded, of which for upward* '# 72 clients, whose names we think $ quite oaaeoestaxy to parade, our ent„_ gonsisled of 174? sheep, 111 head of cattiJ &ndl7l pigs. The early morning wa?_ft Sat during the forenoon rain come on »£2 continued throughout the day, and h»?T v > nass was carried on with not a lim - personal discomfort, but, except in Si Elg market, where competition was walu uyers being far too friendly diaS towards each other, the dampness of S* weather did not damp the spirits at f£* buyers, values in all other kinds of s_vJl being quite up to par, fat and storo ,_i_* well holding their own comparVd w|?? recent high values. Punctually »t hi ? past ten (not half-past nine, as you hart l* reported last week) a start was m. i with the sale of store sheep. The eni was not a large one. A much i»„' entry could easily have been disposed *t the ing uiry for good cross bred J-T £** good lambs, and for crossbred or meri wethers for turnips being the beT 0? have seen for some time. With their* tion of one small line of ewes in non* „f ditlon, we placed every Una w e had a pleasure of offering, sollim? a nrlmaX. • lambs at from 9a7d to lls P __? m"*, 01 wethers, 7s 2d to 8s 2d: „ rlao at o 3 7d; and merino ewes?sll%ffi sales having been already reported ii useless to go over the same arounri ._■«• PatSheep-An entry My *S L»rf« ln " we have lately been accustomed t?L M the quality on the whole being „litft. above the average. The demanf th\oS out was good, late values hpin^..? ll maintained; Prime from 18s to 19s 6d, medium doM«h! -.-' 3d heavy weight ewes, iffw to li %& weight do to 10s'3d! Srlnos^K Bht 8s Sa to 4s 6<L We sold a Sol Sffil'S current rates already reported " y a(l Pat Cattle—A very larae entW _„;i . a very eager ing ulr£ whfcVSe Ss S& a long and dragging one, Prim.> h»iL » sold at from £053" to £7 10a a b ft k ! very extra sorts fetching £12 ifo «*? hLy as current rates. aeuers Store cattle were only a llcht «ntp- __j with a dull sale. I^S&T&JS 1 fold iS well wfnll and from £4 to £410s medium 0 W*' *$tt&~%S}2BP e ? try o£ baconers and porkers met with only a veryTimlrwi competition. Baconers at from H2» m Yn. 383 ; medium do, 23s to 30s; porkers i\°, to 21s. We placed a large entry, alreadr reported. '

Sheepskins. Hides, Fat and Tallow— At the New Zealand Wool Stores, this day we held our usual weekly sale of above! submitting a very heavy entry of crasa and dry skins. The attendance of buyer, was tho usual one, and competition tatrlv keen to a certain point. Our best prices for tbe day were 5s 6d for crossbreds,B»B4 to 4s Gd for medium, from 2s 3d to 3a foe medium merino, and 3s 8d to 4s 7d for prime. Lambskins sold up to 3s 9d, and country skins Is to 3s 3d. We also placed several lots of wool at up to 7d per lb."' Fat and Tallow—No alteration In values, Best rough fat l|d to Igd per lb, ordinary lid to Ud. ' Sale of Dairy Stock—On Monday last, according to advertisement, we held a sale of dairy stock for and ou account of Mr John Ferguson, the well-known breeder ot finifrreU. As might bo oxpeoteij, th* cabbie, forty In number, were broußlit forward in the very pink of condition, and after a most liberal limokeon had been disposed pf a start was made first on the dairy appliances, and afterwards at the cattle. The attendance of buyers was a most representative one, and all eeeinod to bo on business bent, with the result that a most successful sale lias to be reported. From £7 10s to £9 10s for cows la milk, and from £3 to £10 10s for springers was the order of the day, and we have only to pay that every head was sold to the best bidder, that every one seemed well pleased with their purchases, and, what is more to us, we havo Mr Ferguson's word for it that he was well satisfied with the result of the sale.