STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 February 1926, Page 5

STOCK MARKETS.

© —- CATTLE PRICES SLIGHTLY EASIER SHEEP FAIRLY GOOD. Though the position generally has been and is sound and pretty satisfactory for all .classes of farming, there are* features which ar e causing an element °f unsteadiness and perhaps oi uncertainty that is giving all connected with the stock markets food for serious consideration and necessitating careful observation. . The difficulties against which several of the freezing works are struggling, the going out of action of one or two, and the problem presented m Wellington by T the refusal of the Minister to sanction the sale of the Meat Export Company’s works to Rorthwicks, all have been a factor in making the position not so satisfactory generally as could be expected and rather shrouding the immediate future, and making difficult the operations of the works as well as of the farmer. It is reported that the works are holding off somewhat, while on the other hand some of the graziers are said to be intending to wait a week or two. The oositicn demands great caution. In regard to the dairy farmer, the latest advices show a remarkably steady position at a good payable price. Probab'v th© fact of so much produce having been sold early in the season has had a considerable effect in maintaining a satisfactory level of values. Lt was expected at one time that the hold-up of produce owing to the strike would have a much more serious effect when the accumulations reached London. This, however, very 7 fortunately, has not been the case, and the dairy farmer should consider himself in a very favourable position. The cry has been rain, rain and still more rain for Taranaki, which is said to absorb all that can come and bo generally thirsty for more. But apparently the dry weather in the first part of the season mad e it impossible for farmers in some cases to shut up their paddocks as early as in normal circumstances they would do, and the result has been that in such cases they were late in hav-making and th© wet weather of the past week or two does not suit them. Report from various parts hath it that quite a lot of hay is still “out,” and in consequence will materially suffer. One farmer has 13 acres lying cut since last week.—was tiie number his bad lusk?—and he considers it will not be worth half what it would have been if taken in and stacked quickly and bone dry. It will b© a serious loss for many farmers, and one that will. be more apparent when winter comes. This occurrence, however is not very general, and it is probable the majority of farmersi have their hay ‘home and dried’’ and are consequently in a good position to face the coming, autumn. All these happenings, however, have their part in influencing the position in stock markets. There is a firm tone on the wool market, according to the latest sales. At Timam there was, it is recorded, a full bench of buyers, world _ representative. As far as Taranaki is concerned, it is satisfactory to note the firm demand for crossbred wools. This is a feature that has a distinct influence on the price of sheep, and the sales held yesterday at Hawera and Waverley reflect that position, for trere were good yardings and satisfactory prices and a strong demand, especially for ewes in good condition. One line brought up to 25s 2d. A cable received this morning, however, from London reported a, fall of fullv 10 per cent, in sheepskins. This is not too satisfactory, but otherwise the position must b© considered good. All branches of farming show a healthy tone.