THE TIMBER TRADE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIV, Issue 1021, 10 April 1857, Page 2

THE TIMBER TRADE.

In the midst of general dulness, it is gratifying to see a continued activity iu this branch of our export trade. By recent opportunities, as would be seen from our shipping list, large shipments of sawn timber have been made by our enterprising townsmen, Messrs. Henderson & Macfarlane. Within the last few days, 46,500 feet have left our shores, by the Viscount Sandon, and 33,000 feet by the Gertrude ; while, yesterday, the same firm completed the loading of the Ellen for Otago.

THE POTATO TRADE. The resumption of the export potato trade is another cheering feature in the transactions of the day. By the Viscount Sandon, a trial of 10 tons was made foi the Chinese market ; by the Gertrude for Melbourne, 46 tons tons were shipped, (40 of which by the owners, Messrs. Henderson & Maciarlane) ; and by the Emily Allison, cleared out y«sterday, it will be seen that no less than 80 tons have gore to the same market. We trust that the respective shippers will in due time receive favourable returns, and that, while benefiting themselves, they will have proved the means of stimulating the energies of their fellow colonists.

The following is the report of the Live Stock Market for the presesnt week : — On Tuesday, the regular sale at Newmarket, held by ivlr. Alfred Buckland, was largely attended and the number of stock was larger than for many weeks past. Beet sold well, and sheep at e A treme rates. Nineteen head of fat beasts, medium sized but of superior quality, fetched from £7 to £10 each. Sixteen head of cows and heifers, store stock, averaged £6 6s. Bd. Eight steers went to the

graziers at an average of £5 15a. 4d. Five. heifer calve: averaged £2 each, and three bull calves fetched £2 10s., £2 155., and £3 10s. respectively. Two good dairy cows were sold for £11 and £14 each. There was a full market of sheep, upwards of one hundred and ninety being disposed of, as follows: — Eighty-nine averaged 20s. 6d, Another lot of twenty averaged 255. sd. Forty nine others, large sized and superior sheep, fetched from 355. to 405.. each. Thirty fat lambs told at 20s. 6a., .and six Leicester ewes at 335. A number of fat pigs brought from 20s. to 265. 6d. each. Two sows with their litters were sold for £5. A team of six working bullocks and dray were disposed of privately for £80, and a superior draught horse for £60. Total amount of sale, £766 12s. Mr. Hunter held his usual weekly sale as Newmarket, on luesday last. He reports the number of cattle as not being so large as the previous week. The prices, however, showed an increased demand for fat cattle. Store stock still commanding fair prices. A lot of fat cattle was sold at an average of £2. A lot of heifers and steers brought from £5 10s. to £5 2s. 6d. Three dairy cows were sold for £1 1 each. A lot of young steers brought £3 12s. 6d. each, and a calf six months old sold for £3 Is.