WEST COAST LAMBS

Grey River Argus, 21 February 1935, Page 5

WEST COAST LAMBS

TOP THE MARKET Addington Sale (Our Own Correspondent). CHRISTCHURCH, February 20. West Coast lambs again topped the market at Addington to-day. There was a full yarding of fat lambs. The quality was very ordinary. Most of the better consignments came from the West Coast, and they shared among the top prices. The market, was firm throughout. Best grades had a keen sale. The best price for lambs, 29s Id, was secured by a West Coast consignment. Prime heavy lambs fetched 23s Gd to 26s Gd, mediam 21s to 235, light from 17 s.

There was a full offering of mutton, but of inferior quality, and consequently any prime sheep sold Is per head firmer on the late rates. Other grades were at par. Extra heavy wethers sold to 29s lOd, prime heavy 23s 6d to 255, medium prime 21s 6d to 235, inferior from 17s. Best heavy ewes sold to 23s lOd, prime 17s 6d to 20s Gd, medium 14s Gd to 17s 3d, light from Ils. 12,000 Store Lambs. Over twelve thousand store lambs were yarded. Forward sorts for quick fattening were scarce. The market opened cautiously, hardening gradually to last week’s rates. It occasionally was erratic. Sales were, however, difficult, notwithstanding the bidding being fairly consistent.

There was a good sound sale for all adult sheep, and a good attendance of buyers. Just over 400 head of beef were offered. The quality on the whole was slightly improved, with less unfinished lots. The market opened firm for all well-finished cattle. There was a general rise of 15s per head. The values per 100 lbs were: Prime handy steers 22s to 245, heavy 19s to 21s, medium 20s to 225, light from 18s; best heifers 21s to 235. medium 18s to 21s, light from 17s; best cows 16s to 18s, medium 14s to 16s, plain from 10s. There was a full yarding in fat pigs. Both pork and bacon were firm, especially best porkers. The quality was excellent. Porkers fetched 32s 6d to 38s Gd, heavy 40s to 46s 6d; baconers 54s Gd to .=€3, heavy £3 2s 6d to £3 10s Gd, extra heavy to £3 13s 6d. There was a large yarding of store pigs, and a particularly dragging sale. Values were considerablv easier.