STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 1 May 1926, Page 4

STOCK MARKETS.

FAT CATTLE GOOD

LITTLE DOING IN SHEEP,

WELCOME RAINS

The position in Taranaki, which local men are over-liable to look upon as very serious, is good generally when compared to some other districts. While it is right to take all precautions and to exercise care and prudence, it is not good to be pessimistic, and a comparison with other districts will show that South Taranaki has much for which to be thankful. Fat cattle are available in fair numbers, prices are good, and it is considered by men interested in the business they they are likely to be better. Reports from other stock centres show that this good position is reflected elsewhere.

There is apparently little doing in sheep, as vendors are inclined to hold, and purchasers, unless they specially want different lines, are disinclined to give more than ruling prices. The result is a curtailment of business.

The rains of, the last week, though not quite as much as would be wished, are very welcome and will have a distinctly good effect, unless the cold weather sets in early. Given a week’s warm weather there will be a distinct and noticeable growth that will be of the utmost value forr the winter. Though grass lias been scarce on the open lands, the general conditions have been very favourable to the stock and will put them in great heai't for the coming cold season. Horses have been fetching good prices comparatively, and .shock firms consider they might still be better. The prices are' beginning ito approach the t good times of years gone by, 'but there is nothing like the numbers of the days when a thousand horses would be advertised by the local firms. The usual sale time of the year is July and August, and there will not be much doing” till then.