COMMERCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2121, 21 February 1908, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

MASTERTON RAM FAIR. GOOD PRICES REALISED. Press Association. MASTERTON, Feb. 20. The Masterton ram fair was opened to-day. There was a large attendance of buyers from Manawatu and Hawk’s .Bay, and the.local men. At first bidding was slack, line after line being passed in, and not till the very best sheep were run into the ring was any spiritedness shown in the bidding. In stud Lincolns Mr. E. J. Riddiford topped the market with 60 guineas, paid by H. B. Eglinton. For four stud Romneys Mr. R'ddiford secured the handsome return ol £165. The ton nrice in stud Lincolns was 37* guineas. Only a few Southdowns were offered, 15 guineas being the ton price. Of 14 Shropshire studs submitted, only five were sold, at prices ranging from 3 guineas to 5* guineas. It was apparent at the outset that the drought would be responsible for canny purchasing, ami •unless the sheen were in tip-ton condition, they were not looked- at by buyers. Poor ewes were to be seen in the stud sheep, which caused comment to the effect that a highei fee. should be charged For.studs, to prevent the entering of interior sheep. Vendors willingly nay the 2s Ocl fee for the sake of having their sheep submitted at midday.