BURNSIDE STOCK SALES

Evening Star, Issue 18288, 30 May 1923, Page 8

BURNSIDE STOCK SALES

EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE YAEDINGS. Thoro were exceptionally largo yardings of all classes of etock at the Burnside sales to-day. The sheep entry totalled over 5,000 head, and the spaces on the hill slopes had tq be used to accommodate the overflow. It was a double sale on account of the Winter Show next week. Butchers operated keenly, as they were anxious to secure supplies for the next two weeks. The attendance of buyers was also larger than usual, these including the usual freezing representatives. The quality of the sheep was on the wholo good, several pens containing special heavy-weight wethers, which were equal to the best yot seen at Burnside. Most of these-fame from the Tapanui and Otago Central districts. The demand was fairly brisk for all good quality sbeep, but the opening sales showed a reduction of about 2s per head as compared with last week’s rates. Prices, however, firmed as the sale progressed, and the closing sales showed a reduction of about Is per head. Extra prime heavy-weight wethers realised up to bis, and many other good lots from_ 44s to 58s; prime, 36s 6d to 425; medium, 30s to 525; light and unfinished sorts, 24s to 275. Extra prime heavy-weight ewes realised from 33s to 38s; prime, 29s to 31s; medium, 16s to 18s; light and aged, 10s to 14s. Over 2,000 lambs were offered. These were of good average quality, and it was expected that prices would be a shade firmer. Tbo fat cattle cntiy totalled 341 head. Many pens contained animals of excellent quality. The sale had not commenced up to the time of going to press, and it was doubtful if the ifholc yarding would bo sold before darkness set in. As butchers require supplies for the next two weeks, it was expected that there would be a good demand at last week’s rates. The store entry was also a very large one, every pen being occupied. The yarding included one or two lilies of exceptionally_ good four and five-year-old bullocks, which sold up to £7 7s per head, A large number of cows and heifers were offered, which were sold at late rates. Young and inferior cattle sold at cheap rates. There was an oversupply of pigs, all classes being represented. Competition was fairly brisk, but prices were easier to the extent of fully 6s pof head both for baconers and porkers. Prime baconers realised up to 6d, and prime porkers up to 6|d per lb.