TIMARU RAM FAIR

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25148, 1 April 1947, Page 3

TIMARU RAM FAIR

ERRATIC DEMAND FOR ROMNEYS

About 1000 Romney Marsh rams, a few more than last year, were offered at the second day of the Timaru Ram Fair yesterday. The sale was erratic, but in general, good rams sold steadily at fair prices. The breed has gained a most important place in South Canterbury in recent years. Breeders from alll parts of the South Island were represented, and one North Island stud offered rams. As usual with so large an offering, there was a considerable “tail” in the flock rams, which were very difficult to quit. Eight pens of stud rams were sold early in the sale, and made from 16gns to 28gns. When the flock ram sale began, the attendance was small, and buying most restricted. The gallery grew later, and prices became better, but the sale was erratic throughout. About 200 rams which had been ernered failed to appear, and this, with the careful culling given the offering, helped to keep prices reasonably good for good sheep. Prices for the best rams were from 12gns to 21gns, with good Bgns to lljgns, medium 4gns to 7gns, ’and inferior from 2gns to 2?gns. The inferior rams met little demand, and many went at the upset price, 2gns.

Top price in the stud section was secured for rams sold on account of G. S. Giddings (Fairlie) and R. Oakley (Mayfield).

Top price for flock rams, 21gns, was obtained for an outstanding sheep by A. Galt .(Mataura). G. S. Giddings sold a single at 20gns, and R. Oakley a single at 18gns.