STOCK MARKETS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 15 January 1927, Page 10

STOCK MARKETS

ALL-ROUND DEMAND. ! X DIOA TIONS PR OAT ISI NO. Tire repairs from the central markets, as well as locally, combine Lo give a leeiing of confidence in the position of the tanning industry and its prospects, every branch showing promise that improvement may be looked for as the days go by. There is a good demand at the stock sales; prices at the last wool sale had improved, bidding was extremely keen, and a substantial rise was forecasted; late dairy cables show a firm market, while the yield of milk on the farms is ,still much a .five last year; dairy farmers are continuing io show a much keener interest in pig raising, looking for a good class of stud animal with which to keep up their quality, so as to satisfy and attract business in the Home markets; sheep business is reported satisfactory, with the demand for ewes beginning to move upward; leaders in the dairy world are sea railing for means of reducing the cost of manufacture and of securing an ever improved raw pioduet, j so that quality may be always niain- | tained and, where possible, improved. These are points in a general survey which prompt a feeling of optimism and an opinion that the season is going to turn out in noli better than in the early portion looked likely. But a word of caution may not be out of place just here, not only to farmers, hut. to the whole community. The bank returns just issued show a shrinkage in ,-ree deposits and a decided increase in advances, showing that the people are finding it increasingly necessary to call on the banks for accommodation. Though the improved returns from dairy produce and wool will serve to improve the position to ■dome extent, it would appear that unless the people are prudent, the position before the winter is over may be difficult. If everyone in his own sphere would economise, anil exercise prudence and thrift, a reversal could he effected. This is confirmed by the advice of a banker .some time ago. and it is surely self-evident With a good demand and increased production, dairy produce is certain to |he an improving quantity, especially | in view of the shortage, in .some countries. due to (their adverse conditions, it was forecasted recently that an improvement was likely, -and this seems ready for fulfillment. It will lie good news io the hard-working dairy farmer that a more liberal pay-out is to be made, but in any case be must remember that whatever there is in the business lie will get it, and if the advance is reduced, there will lie the more to come laiei. The remarkably equable spell experienced during the past month or six weeks has been a wonderful help to all farmers, but perhaps especially to the dairy farmers, it has kept his - ows in good condition and given them the extra flow of milk, with the added advantage of saving Jiis supplies of feed. Hay lias never been so abundant, amide supplies of material for ensilage have. been available, while root crops are reported to be doing exceptionally well, despite the serious setback they had at the beginning of the season. It has also been good for the grazier, and has fattened his bullocks so that now there is no scarcity, while the demand has been firm and maintained, though the position of the holder is a bit easier now.

Trio rain during the last day or two has perhaps been not altogether

welcome to the harvester with crops out, but these are not many, the main supplies having l>een gathered and. as an old farmer remarked, the rain did more good than harm. Reports from the freezing works show that work is going ahead at high pressure, and this is good news for farmers. The demand for ewes has set in. and the position looks favourable. There have been several good sales privately of cattle and sheep, and the prospects generally are for good business. Altogether indications are very promising, and farmers and business firms look forward with confidence to the season for 1927.