THE CATTLE MARKET.

Evening Star, Issue 14634, 2 August 1911, Page 6

THE CATTLE MARKET.

EXTREME PRICES AT BURNSIDE. A great surprise awaited the patrons of the Burnside Saleyards to-day. It came from the fat rattle sale. Only 81 head of cattle wero brought forward, and as may be readily imagined, a' keen sale eventuated with such a ridiculously small yarding. Moreover, the position was accentuated by the fact that butchers had only a small stock on hand, aud they had to bid or have no supplies for their customers. The prices they had to pay for medium class of cattle was little short of marvellous. Cattle which ordinarily would fetch £0 or £lO wild at £l3 10s. One prominent butcher declared that the memory of no man could recall such a dav when prices had been so high and the quality of the cattle offered so inferior. On the average, 1001b of beef realised from 40s to 4os. il Too solid altogether," said a bystander. The question which naturally arises is: "Will the scarcity continue?" It is a difficult question to answer, for the movement has come all of a sudden. Some months ago it was predicted that there would bo scarcity, hut during the last four or five weeks things have pointed *a z. bettor outlook. It is known that there are several lots of cattle south of Dunedin, and these should be ready for the market within the next couple of months. But many things could happen in that time ; and, moreover, October is generally the time when cattle are dear in Dunedin. In the meantime, the best thing the housewife can do is to hope for the best, for should matters continue as to-day, it is certain that the butcher will either have to raise his prices or put up his shutters. It is to bo hoped he will do neither.