MARKET REPORTS.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 8072, 15 January 1892, Page 3

MARKET REPORTS.

LIVE STOCK, 4c Messes H. Matsok Aim Co. (associated with the National M. and A. Co. of New Zealand, Limited), report upon the live stock market for Wednesday last, as follows:— - Since date of our last, the general character of the weather has been all that could be desired by the sheep-farmer. Nice genial showers of rain have fallen in nearly all the outlying, districts—these showers have been ably supported by beautiful mild warm weather, and the consequence is that everybody has an abundance of sheep feed. The difficult question to be solved is— Where are they to secure store sheep and breeding ewes at remunerative values. The supply of this class of sheep is inadequate to the demand, and prices are forced to rise in sympathy. The totals yarded for the day comprised 10,382 sheep, 481 cattle, 127 pigs, of which our entry comprised 6683 sheep, 175 cattle, 113 pigs, on account of the following bona fide vendors, viz., Messrs John Deans, Gv D. Greenwood, Harvey Hawkins, Robert Dailing, A. Gallagher, H. Meyerhoff, Gallagher Bros., H. Davies, Lyndhurst Estate, T. Clarkson, Hon. J. T. Peacock, J. Harding, Jas. Henderson, John Boag, A. T. Body, W. Buss, J. Leithwick, James Heyward, Hy. Harris, Christopher O'Neil, K. Mcintosh, Samuel Garforth, John Ferguson, J. McGuiness, W. Hocking, Henderson and Sons, Jas. O'Neil, F. Carter, Jas. Dolan, T. White, J..Stevens, P. O'Niell, F. Redmane, Hon. j_ Grey, Dixon Bros., J. Ponninghaus, J. Costello, Dixon Bros., W. Watson, J. Barker, W. Brick, J. Donald, F. Brown, A. Cockburn, L. Coleman, Wm. Hawkins, J. Kempthorne, Christchurch Drainage Board, A. Hulstone, C. Dunford, P. McGregor, J. Amyes, E. Mulcock, Hy. Tisch, John McGregor, W. A. Wright, J. Johns, J. Clelland, J. Murray, A. Sefton, S. Bjarrows, W. Ashton, R. Heskett, W. Guy, A. Magee, J. Munroe, J. Tucker, Merrin Bros.

Fat Sheep—A very good average entry to hand, including many lines of prime, medium and indifferently fatted sheep of all denominations. Buyers were numerous, and the sale throughout was characterised by constant vigorous competition. We are of the opinion that the price of a properly fattened sheep has arrived at a standard which may be metaphorically termed the " centre of gravitation," which constitutes that Bheep suitable for the export trade are worth a certain price, and that they will realise that price irrespective of any opposition which may be brought to bear on the market or trade generally. On Wednesday this was exemplified beyond a doubt. The competition for freezers was very firm, and, despite the various syndicates and ; coalitions between foreign export buyers to cramp the' prices of this class of sheep, we have to report a very highly satisfactory sale indeed. Our principal sales were as follows :—On account Mr John Deans, 22 halfbred wethers at 13s lOd, and 90 merino wethers at 10s 8d to lis 8d; on account Mr John Boag, 31 crossbred ewes at 10s 7d; on account Mr G. Chilton, 9 crossbred wethers and maiden ewes at lis; on account Mr John Henry, 54 merino ewes at 3s 9d; on account Mr A. Gallagher, 49 wethers and maiden ewes at 13s lid to 14s 6d; on account Mr H. Meyerhoff, 6 crossbred . ewes at 12s 6d ; on account another owner, 137 crossbred wethers and maiden ewes at lis lOd to 13s and 149 crossbred ewes at 10s 3d; pn account Messrs Gallagher Bros., 59 crossbred wethers and ewes at 13s 7d to 13s lOd; for a client, 85 crossbred wethers and ewes at 12s 6d to 13s 3d ; on account Mr, W. Davies, 15 crossbred ewes at lis 4d; on account Mr H. Hawkins, 80 crossbred wethers and maiden ewes at lis lOd ; on account the Lyndhurst Estate, 115 merino wethers at 10s 2d to lis 6d, and 40 halfbred ewes at 10s 7d to 12s 4d ; for Mr Clarkson, 32 merino wethers at 8s; on account Hon. J. T. Peacock, merino wethers at 10s'6d ; for Mr J. Harding, merino ewes at 7s 9d; on account Mr G. D. Greenwood, 30 crossbred wethers at 13s 4d, 29 crossbred ewes and wethers at lis 6d, and 9 merino wethers at 9s 6d; for Mr Henderson, 76 crossbred ewes at 11a 6d to 12s 4d; for a client, 70 crossbred ewes at lis 3d to 12s ; on- account Mr H. Hawkins, 53 crossbred ewes at 10s Id.

Fat Lambs.—Very large entry to hand, including many prime lines of freezerCompetition waß very keen, and values obtained satisfactory. One line of lambs, sent- to hand by Mr Dolan, of Rakaia, are worthy of special mention as being the best consignment sent to the yards this year; needless to say they were commented upon by'nearly all the judges present. It was our privilege and pleasure to sell the lot, which: realised from lla Ud to 14s 3d, averaging 13s 2d for the line. . Our sales were as follows: —On account Mr H. Davies, 20 lambs at 9s lOd to' 10s 9d; on account Mr C. O'Neil, 73 lambs at 8s Id to 8s 6d; on account Mr J. McGuinness, 10 lambs at 8s 6d; on account Mr H. Hocking, 5 lambs at 8s 9d; on account Mr G. D. Greenwood, 6 lambs at 6s 6d ; on account Messrs Henderson, 18 lambs at lis 6d to 12s Id; on account Mr J. O'Neil, 15lambs atßs 3d; on account Mr F. Cater, 9 lambs at 9s; on account Mr Chilton, 13 lambs at 9s to 9s lid ; for a client, 100 lambs at 7s 6d to 8s ; for Mr Harding, 16 lambs at 7s to 7s 6d; on account Mr Dolan, 107 lambs at lis lid to 14b 3d; on account Mr T. White, 160 lambs at 9s 9d to lis lid.

Fat Cattle—About - 175 head yarded. Biddings throughout the sale were fairly spirited, and a shade better prices were obtained than at the previous week's sale. One pen of prime bullocks sold at £7 5s to £610s, these being the best cattle offered. Lighter weights sold at £5 15a to £6 ss; cows at. £4 to £6 ss; heifers at £4 to £5 15s. Account Mr Heyward, heifers at £3; account Mr Bilton, cow at £4 2s 6d ; account Mr. Harris, heifers at £4 2s 6d to £5; account a client, steers at £5 12s 6d, cows at —4 17s 6d; account Mr Mcintosh, heifer at £6 2s 6d, steers at £5 10s, heifers at £4 ss; account client, steers at £6 to £6 ss, cows at £6 105... yeal—Smajl entry. Best calves 20s to 30s, others Bs, 10s to 15s. Dairy entry, which met with a decidedly better sale. Cows sold at £3 10s, £4 lQa, £5 10s to £6. We cleared the whole of our entry. Store Cattle-rFairly large entry, about 250 head yarded. Biddings were decidedly spirited from start to the finish of the sale, good prices were obtained throughout. Yearlings sold at 25a to 30s, eighteen-months-old cattle 35s to 50a, two-year-old cattle £3 to £3 15s, three-year-old steers £4, £4 10a to £5. Pigs—Small entry, which met with a far better sale than of late.. Bacon pigs sold at 255, 30a, 328, 355, 36a; porkers 15s, 17s 6d, 20s to 255; stores 10s, 12s, 14s to 16s each. Our sales were as follows:— Account Mr Stevens, 6 baconers at £1 14s; account Mr P. O'Neil, 5 baconers i-t £1 16s 6d ; account Mr Redman, -porkers at £110s; account client, porkers at £1 4s 6d ; account Mr Dickenson, baconers at £1 7s od; account Mr P. O'Neil, at £1 10s; account Mr Ponninghaus, porkers at 12a; account Mr Costelio, stores at 16s od, balance at 12s to 12s 3d; account Mr Dickson, porkers at 21s; account Mr W. Watson, baconers at £1 lis, £16s, £12s; account Mr Barker, porkers at 17s; account Mr Brick, porkers at £1 ss; account Mr Winter, porkers at £1 6s. Ram Fair—The date of this annual event has been finally fixed for Friday, 18th March, 1892. The original fixing was made for St. -Patrick's Day, which would never do.

Australian Agricultural Societies — We observe the following in the " Australasian" of the 2nd of January. How would our Society like to have its finger in such a pie ? How quickly the old show ground difficulty would disappear — what pleasant smiles would pervade the countenances of the Committeemen :— "The * Government Gazette," of December 24th, contains the regulations for the distribution of the sum of £24,000, granted by Parliament to Agricultural Societies for the year 1891-2. Each Society roust furnish to the Secretary for Agriculture, on or before February Ist a statement verified by statutory declaration, showing the revenue derived from members' subscriptions and' private donations during the year 1891, exclusive of all other sources of income; also showing the amount awarded and paid away in prize money by the Society during the same period, except prizes for exhibits as follow, viz.:—Dora, other than sheep and cattle dogs; birds, other than pigeons and poultry; wax, feather, and paper -owers; needlework of every description; sewing machines; rabbits, hares, eats, guinea pigs, deer, native animals

of all kinds, and mining machinery. On receipt of the statement so verified, the Minister of Agriculture may cause to be paid to the treasurer of each Society a sum equal to two-thirds of the amount shown to have been awarded and paid away in prizes not exceeding £25 each (except for the exhibits mentioned in the statement above referred to, and such other exhibits as the Minister may consider unsuitable), on condition that this sum do not exceed the amount raised by members' subscriptions and private donations ; and if it do exceed the same, that it be in that case reduced to a sum equal to the amount so raised. Of the whole giant (£24,000), a sum not exceeding £23,500 will be so divided ; and if the sums claimable be in excess of this amount, they are to be reduced pro rata. No Society located within twenty miles of any other Society will be entitled to participate in the vote unless the sum awarded and paid away in prizes, &&, amounts in the total to £100 at least." Canterbury Horse Market—ln this department business is brisk, especially for good, staunch, young draught horses suitable for immediate work. Buyers for this class are numerous, and prices remunerative. Best sort sell at from £20 to £22 10s, medium do £16 to £18, other sores as per market fluctuations. In light horses the demand is fair. There are plenty of buyers for useful sorts at equivalent values; medium and indifferent sorts find friends at nominal prices. It is a fact to be borne in mind that all sorts and conditions of men require all sorts and conditions of horses!

Messrs Miles axd Co. (per J. T. Ford) report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, January 14th, as follows :—-Canterbury Saleyarda, Addington, Wednesday, 13th inst.—The stock penned for the day's sale comprised 431 head of cattle, 10,382 sheep, and 127 pigs. Of Fat Cattle there was a moderate entry, about 175 head, the demand was sluggish in the extreme and a large number were passed out unsold. The few sold brought from 15s to 17s per lOOlbs, except very inferior cattle, which were a shade lower. Of Store Cattle there was a better entry, mostly young cattle, the business was more brisk and sales were effected at satisfactory prices. Store Sheep—There was a much larger entry. Lines of young crossbreds were eagerly competed for, bringing from 8s 6d to 12s each according to growth and ,-quality. Crossbred ewes with lambs at foot brought 6s 9d per bead all counted. Merinos from 4s to 5s 4d.

The entry of fat lambs was the heaviest we have had this season, comprising some well grown heavy weight lines, whicu-were mostly taken for export at from 10s up to 14s 3d, the latter price being paid for an exceptionally heavy pen. For lighter weights and inferior lambs there was a slight decline in values, selling at 7s 6d, Bs, 8a 6d, up to 9s 6d each. Fat Sheep--A heavy entry, ranging from inferior and medium, of which the bulk was composed, to a few pens of really well grazed crossbred wethers and maiden ewes, also some really prime merino wethers from the Riccarton Estate. There appeared to be an improving demand for all the best sheep for export, and for these increased values were easily obtained. Medium and inferior sheep were not so much in demand, and the prices obtained were somewhat lower than during late markets. The following is a list of our sales:—On account Mr .. J. C. Wason, 30 crossbred ewes and wethers 15s Id, 90 do 13s lid; on account Mr T. E. Upton, 327 crossbred ewes and wethers 14s 9d, 27 crossbred ewes 13s lid; on account Lowciifie Estate, 20 crossbred ewes 13s Bd, 20 do 12s lid, 20 do 13s 4d; on account Mr H. McConnell, 8 fat lambs 10s 3d; on account Mr Thomas Kneeshaw, 400 do 10a.

' Ashburton County Saleyards, Tuesday, January 12th—The entry of stock for the day's sale comprised 2878 sheep, 9 head of cattle, and 6 pigs. The attendance was not so large owing to the harvest operations having commenced, but there were several buyers of sheep owing to the abundance of grass which prevails everywhere in the Ashburton district, and as sheep are evidently not plentiful we expect to see values ruling much higher as the season advances and when the stubbles are ready for stock. The turnip crops also promise to far exceed the average of former seasons, and sheep in large numbers will be required. Our entry comprised 1180 sheep, mostly two-tooth crossbreds, which we sold at 9s 4d, 9s 6d-up to 9s 9d each, while large framed well-bred two-tooths brought up to 12s 3d each. We also had a line of very .fine four-tooth crossbred wethers, for which we were bid 14s 4d each, but this price not reaching the owner's idea of values they were withdrawn from sale.

Land—On Saturday, December 12th, we offered some 1300 acres of the Afford Estate by public auction, at the Orange Hall, Ashburton, but although the land is wellknown, and the bulk of it is of good quality and surveyed into convenient-sized farms, we failed to sell, but since that time we have disposed of 885 acres at the owner's reserve.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, report on the live stock market for the week ending 14th January, 1892, as follows :—

The entry at Addington on 13th inst. was comprised of stock, viz. :—10,382 sheep, 481 cattle, 127 pigs. Store Sheep—Everything of late has pointed to there being a keen enquiry for stores, and that such waa the case yesterday was very patent, even before: the sale started, judging by those who formed the attendance. An entry of about 4000 was presented to them, and, with spirited competition, -everything was cleared at very satisfactory prices to vendors. Two-tooth crossbreds brought 10a Id to 12s; merino ewea and lambs, 1 8s 8d per couple; crossbred do do, 6s 9d, all counted; merino wethers, 4s 4d co 5s lid; dry crossbred ewes, good mouth, 10a 4d. Fat Lambs—By far the largest entry yet offered this season was penned. - The quality was very mixed, and as a whole not of the beat. Those fit for export met good competition from shippers, and made full values, others also brought fair prices. We sold for Mr Stubbs at 10a 2d to 10a lid, and for Mr Wiffen at 8s lid to 9s.

1 Fat to the improved tone of last week's market, a heavy supply was sent in. Of those a fair proportion were suitable for export, as first class mutton. Merino wethers, principally of poor quality, and dry crossbred ewes comprised the balance. As in the case of lambs buyers for export were tothe fore for anything prime, and these made very full prices as compared with London values. Beat crossbred wethers and maiden ewes bringing 13s 6d to 15s 6d, medium ditto 12s to 13a, merino wethers 6a to 10s 6d, crossbred ewes 9s 6d to 14a 4d, the latter price, of course, being for exceptionally good weight and quality. We sold for Mr Wiffen, crossbred wethers at 13a lid; for Mr W. Stubbs, merino wethers at 5s 9d; for Mr W. Macfarlane, merino wethers at 9s lOd to 10s 6d ; for Mr E. S. Coster, halfbred wethers at 13s 9d and ewes at 13a Id to 14s 4d ; for Mr Job Osborne, 60 crossbreds at 15s 6d (top price for the day); for Mr F. C- Murray, 110 crossbreds at 12s lid to 133 lid.

Fat Cattle—We cannot report any improvement on last week's values in the beef market. Another large, entry was brought forward, and buyers Were easily satisfied. We sold for Mr E. Jones, some steers at £512s 6d to £6 2s 6d, and a few heifers at £4 10s to £6.

Store and Dairy Cattle—For store cattle, youngsters especially, the demand continues wonderfully good, when the price of beef is considered. Dairy stock was not so keenly enquired for as on the previous week.

Pigs—Business in the pig pens assumed a more cheerful, aspect this week, and good stores commanded attention. Porkers also sold welL ."....

District Sales—At Rakaia, on 7th inst., we held our monthly sale, included in which was a clearing sale of a butcher's plant. A good attendance was present, considering it being harvest time, and for the live stock there was fair competition, cattle selling especially welL At Leeston on Friday, Bth inst., a very small entry of stock was penned, but business all through was good, with such splendid prospects for stubble feed, and a satisfactory clearance to vendors waa made, two-tooth crossbreds bringing 10s to 12s, forward merino ewes 4s 3d, fat crossbred ewes lis. At Sefton, on 11th instant, a limited entry of stock was brought in, owing to harvest being' in full swing * on the downs/ and, there being abundance cf feed on the flat, a good demand for young sheep and cattle was manifested. At Ashburton, on 12th inst., the entry of sheep totalled about 1000, and cattle 30 head. The attendance was very

good, and included a large proportion of buyers, who were keen to purchase. Twotooth crossbreds brought 9s 9d to 12s Id, fat crossbred wethers 14s 6d, do merino wethers 10s 9d, do mixed crossbreds 18s 6d. Privately during the week we have placed 1000 two-tooth merino ewes, 1000 two-tooth merino mixed sexes, 1800 fat lambs, 500 freezers, 600 ditto, and 250 ditto, also, in conjunction with our Rakaia agent, 400 merino wethers.

Mb F. C. TABARTreports on the live stock market for tbe week ending 14th January as follows :—-The total number of stock yarded at the Addington yards comprised 10,332 sheep and lambs, 481 head of cattle, and 127 pigs. Fat Cattle —170 were brought forward for the week's supply, which being in excess of trade requirements a decline in values had to be accepted to effect sales. Best bullocks, heavy-weights and prime quality, made £6 to £7 sa, medium £5 upwards, best cows and heifers ranged from £5 to £6, medium and inferior £3 5a upwards; several peas were passed out unsold. Store Cattle—2ll head were yarded, consisting of usual assortment. There was a fair demand for forward-conditioned three and four-vear>old steers, which made from £4 5s to JS4 15s, medium £3 10s, two-year-olds £2 5s to £2165, and yearlings, good, 20s to 30s. Fat Lambs—A very large yarding, which were all absorbed by freezers and tne trade. There was very active competition for freezers, and all the best pens were taken up at from 10s 6d to 14s 3d, trade lots 8s upwards. Fat Sheep—A full yarding, comprising some very good lines of freezers, for which there was a keen demand. Top pens of crossbred wethers made 13s to 15s 4d, and lighter weights 12s upwards ; best pens of fat crossbred ewes 12s 6d to 13s, medium 10s upwards, and inferior 8s 6d. Best pens of merino wethers made 10s to lis 6d, medium 8s upwards. A good clearance was effected. Store Sheep—A very large yarding, consisting principally of crossbred ewes and lambs, in low condition, which made from 6s to 6s 9d, all counted ; dry crossbred ewes, sound-mouthed, up to 10s 4d; mixed lots of wethers and ewes lip to 10s Id and 12s; merino wethers up to 03 lid. Pigs sold rather better than last week, but values still rule very low. Sheepskins, Rough Fat, Hides, and Calfskins—My sales for the week comprise 2187 sheepskins," 95 bags and packages of rough fat, and about 50 hides and calfskins. There was an unusually, small attendance of fellmongers. Prioes fluctuated considerably, and values generally were unsatisfactory. Butchers' best crossbred pelts made Is lQd, 2s, 2s 2d, to 2a 4d ; medium, Is 3d upwards ; butchers' merino pelts, Is to Is 3d ; medium, 8d upwards ; woolly merinos, 4s to 5s 3d; do crossbred, 4s 6d to 5s ; lambskins, large 2s to 2a sd, mediumls 3d upwards. Rough Fat—Best parcels lfd and l£d, medium l£d to l|d, inferior 3d. Hides and calfskins are without alteration.

Messrs Todhttoter ant> Jesntngs report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, 13th January, as follows:— There was an exceptionally large market of all descriptions of stock at Addington Yards on W ea -esday last. Competition for all good lines was much improved, and nearly all entries changed hands at a considerable advance on late values. The stock yarded comprised 10,382 sheep, 481 head of cattle, and 127 pigs, of which our entry consisted of 2004 sheep and 243 head of cattle, the whole of which, with very few exceptions, we succeeded in placing at prices satisfactory to both purchaser and vendors. Store entry was larger than for some time past, .consisting mainly of crossbred ewes and lambs and a few lines of good two-tooths. The latter found a~ good demand, and realised 10s 6d to 12s. A large line of sound mouthed crossbred ewes and lambs brought 6s 9d, all counted; a few lines of store lambs 7s to 7s 6d. We disposed of the whole of onr entry, the principal sales being as follows i —An exceptionally good line of 450 two-tooths, lis 7d; 50 shorn merino ewes, 3s id; a line of merino ewes, with 110 per cent, lambs, 4a Bd, all counted; 53 woolly merino ewes, 7a 5d ; 38 shorn crossbred ewes, 8s 3d. Fat Sheep—A large entry, and of exceptional quality. Competition of buyers for export maintained rates for all first quality sheep fully up to recent values. For second quality and inferior mutton there was poor demand and a comparatively weak market. Prime crossbred wethers '.and maiden ewes made 13s 6d to 15s 3d, crossbred ewes 9s 3d to 14s, according to size and quality, merino wethers 8s 6d to 10s. Our principal sales were as follows:—For Mr P. Ryan, 22 crossbred ewes, 8s sd; for Mr Hay ward, 21 two-tooths, 12s 4d; for Mr H. Osborne, 61 two-tooths 12a, 108 at 12a 3d; for a client, 22 ewes 10a 7d, 15 crossbred wethers 12s; for Mr Candy, 11 ewes, 9s 3d; for a client, 75 wethers aud maiden ewes 13s 3d, 120 at 12s 6d. •

, Fat Lambs—The market was the largest we have seen this season, and as a consequence there was a slight drop in values on all but good freezing lines; these realised fully recent rates, bringing from 10s 6d to 12s, according to quality and condition.' We sold for a client 60 at 9s 3d ; for Mr Hughes, 9at 8a 6d; for Mr P. Clark, 10 at 10s 7d; for Mr Candy, 25 at 8s 2d; for Mr J. Jones, 32 at 9a; for Mr Hay ward, 9 at lis 6d, 9 at lis 2d ; for Mr Muir, 14 at 6s 6d; for Mr H. Osborne, 20 at 12s 6d, 20 at lis 9d; for clients. Bat 12s 6d, Bat 10s 9d, 55 at 8s 3d, 230 at 10a 6d; for Mr Stace, 6 at 10s 6d; for Mr Searle, Bat 8a; for Mr Sadler; 4 at 8s 9d.

Fat Cattle — 175 head were yarded, the majority being inferior sorts, aud came forward to a somewhat sluggish market. Beat steers brought up to £6 10a, heifers £6,' good cows £4 to £6, according to weight. We sold for various clients 5 heifers £4 17s 6d, 4 heifers £5, 4 heifers £4 15a, 10 steers £5 15s, 4 heifers S.S 12s 6d, 9 steers £5 12a 6d, 4 cows £4 12s 6d, and a number of cows at from £3 15a to £5.

Store" Cattle—A fair entry which met with an improved demand. Several lines of eighteen-months and two-year-old cattle of mixed sexes were sold at 35s to 475, and almost the whole of the entry changed hands at satisfactory prices. We sold for various clients 3 cows at £3175, 15 head mixed sexes (two-year-olds) at £2 7s, 14 do at £2 3a, 6 head mixed sexes (three-year-olds) at £3 10s, 8 head mixed at £2 7a, 17 heifers at £1 Bs, 19 three-year-old steers at £3 15a, 4 heifers at £1 lis, 10 head mixed yearlings at 30s, 8 heifers at £3 4a, 4 steers at £2 18a, 6 heifers at £2 5s 6d, and a large number of cows and single cattle at various price—•- --•' "■' *'• ■--■■■;■'-

Dairy Cattle—We sold a. number of cows in profit and; springers at recent rates, from £2 15s up to £6 for really good sorts. Skins, Hides, Fat and Tallow—At the New Zealand Wool Stores to-day we submitted an average catalogue of skins and bag wool to a small attendance of buyers. Competition was satisfactory prices being fully up to last week's rates. . Woolly merinos brought 3s 6d to 5a 5d for a line of neavy skins; pelts Is 5d to 2s 2d. An exceptional line of butcher's pelts realised 2s 4cL Lamb skins Is 6d to 2s 6d, dry country skins 3a to 4a 6d. .'Hides, fat and tallow at unaltered value-

Messrs Pyne and Co. report for the week ending Thursday, January 14th :— Thetotalamount of stock yarded comprised 10,382 sheep. 481 cattle, 127 pigs. There was a fair yarding of store sheep, comprising all descriptions. Buyers appeared anxious to obtain any suitable lines and in consequence a good clearance was effected. Two-tooth crossbreds made from 10s to 12a, for a few very forward big sheep. Lambs up to 7s 4d. Good framed sound mouthed crossbred ewes made 10s 4d, ewes and lambs 5s 9d to 6s 9d all counted, merino wethers from 4s 4d to- 5* 4d. There was to all appearances at the start of the market a considerable over-supply of fat sheep of all sorts, but exporters came to the rescue, and for good prime quality an advance on last week's quotations was obtained. For ewes and second quality the market was weak and graziers were enabled to purchase. satisfactorily. For merino wethers the same remarks may 1 apply, excepting for prime quality, which sold fairly well. Best crossbreds for export made from I3s to 15s 4dj in the wool 18s, medium Us 6d tol2s6d. Down ewes sold up to 123 6d, croissbied do from 10s to 14s 6d, inferior 8s to 9s. Merino wethers, ail valuta, from 7s to lis. T*he largest yarding of .the season of fat lambs came forward and sold fairly well, exporters operating freely up to a certain figure. Lambs suitable for export made, from 10s to 12» for heavy weight*, some exceptional lambs bringing up to 14s3d; other sorts from 7s to 10a. The fat cattle market contained an ample supply of fat cows and heifers, but verr few

prima Steers. The sale, however, dragged from the start. Best quality steers made up to £7 ss, medium sorts £5 (o £6, heifers from £4 to £6, cows £3 10s to £5 10a. In the store pens there was about the usual supply ; fresh younc cattle found buyers at for eighteen months' old cattle at 355, two-year-olds Up to £2 10s. Dairy cows from £3 to £6. Pigs, as of late, comprised a small entry. Stores sold fairly well, but porkers ana baconers were difficult to dispose of at satisfactory pricePrivately during the week we have sold 600 fat sheep and 1271 forward stores, also a few lines of fat lambs, all at market rates. Skins—Onr sales for the week comprise 6230 country, butchers' and factory skins. Values at our sale to-day were fair, best crossbred pelts up to 2s 4d, medium Is 8d to Is lOd, lambs from Is 6d to 2s 6d, merinos from lOd to la Bd. Hides and fat at late rates, .

The Farmers' Co-ofkrattvb Saleyards Compakt (H. B. Sorensen, Manager) report holding our usual sale at our saleyards, Lichfield street, on Saturday last, when we had a very fair start for the new year. We bad a capital entry of pigs, and prices were fairly maintained, in some cases we had an advance on former values. The demand for porkers far exceeds the supply to hand. We quote small weaners 6s 3d, 7s 6d, 7s 9d,. 9s 6d; stores, 13s, 13s 3d to 15a 6d ; porkers, 18s to 20s; sows in pig, 335. Poultry—A fair supply generally, but the Bupply of fpwls could easily be doubled and sold at tfood prices. For hens, 2s 6d, 2s 9d and 3a od; roosters from Is 9d to 4s ; ducklings, 2a 6d, 3s to 4s for ducks ; geese 3s 6d to 4s, and very small at that.

We held our skin sale on Tuesday, when we had a good supply, and obtained for pelts la 4d to Is 8d; lambskins, la 4d, Is lOd, 2s, 2s 3d j hides, ljjd ; fat, Id to l|d.

Wilson akd Sons report:—Fire and sword are slow destroyers as compared with a babbling merchant, so says a Greek writer—so let our words be few. The skins, wool, hides and fat market on Tuesday was good in quantity and good in price with the Fallen wool market on us. Pelts ranged from Is 4d to 2s 4d, and lambs from Is 6d to 2s 6d. There were a few damaged ones, which go for what they are worth. Hides from l|d to 3£d. Fat from lsd fo lid. The sale, a looker-on said, was the best in the city. We intend to begin in future at 2 instead of 1 o'clock. The weekly trap sale is encouraging, and a number is turned out of a stock which strikes all comers. The onions and new potatoes are rushing in. The market is not yet settled, onions £6 and potatoes 50s. Tne variety market does duty as a time-filler, Helling from a barrow to a life-boat. Saturday we started on our favourites, the chickens, nothing being noticeable except a little decline in the duckeys. Hens grabbed at, not half enough. Young roosters, too small to represent the business. Geese, not many, not much demand. Turkeys, only hens, and not good ones. The quantity yarded was about as usual. Price list—Hens, 2s 6d to 2s 9d; roosters, 3s to 3s 6d; ducks, 3s 3d to 4s 9d; geese, 4s 6d to 6s ; turkey hens, 5s to 6s. Pigs—A very lively marketj the best we have had for a long time; quantity in large, but many more could have been placed. We expect a keen market for some time for all sorts aud sizes. Any holdersjwantihg to part, now is the time to find the cash, 25s for every £ is awaiting those who sell. Pork and baconers much in demand. The price list standsYoung from 6s 6d to 9a 6d, and from 10s 6d to 14s 6d; and porkers from 14s 6d to 255; baconers average about 2£d to 3d, according to size. Horses—Largest entry we have yet had, and a number changed hands. We shall realise our expectations in this market, and recommend buyers to pay us a viiit. The high'ty-tighty flash is over, we are settle! down to soberly working life's destiny amidst the billows and surges of this summer-land, the finest in the world.

The New Zealand Farmers' Co-opera-tive Association of Canterbury, Limited, report on the live stock market-for the week ending January 14th, 1892:— The total number of. stock yarded at the Addington Yards comprised 10,382 sheep and lambs, 481 head of cattle, 127 pigs. Fat Cattle.—The • number brought forward for the week's 'supply was again in excess of trade requirements, and several lines were passed out unsold.. Best steers made from £6 10s "to £7 sa, medium £5 upwards, heifers from £3 10s to £4 15s. Store Cattle.—A small entry of 160 head, which met with a fair demand. Fat Lambs.—A large entry, for which there was a brisk demand for all lines of freezing quality. Top pens were cleared at from lis to 14s, medium from 7s upwards. Fat Sheep.—A Heavy entry of all classes, and as there was a good demand for export there was keen competition throughout the sale for all sheep of good quality. Top pens of crossbred wethers made 12s to 15s 6d; fat ewes, top pens, lis 6d to 12s 6d; medium, 9s upwards, and merino wethers from 8s 6d to 10s 2d. Store Sheep.—A moderate entry, for which the demand was equal to the supply at about last week's values.