STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 17 December 1927, Page 9

STOCK MARKETS.

STRONG POSITION MAINTAINED.

HEAVY OPERATIONS IN THE DOMINION. Reports from all over the Dominion confirm the strong tone in the marketsfor most lines of stock, consequent upon keen demands from various parts 'ai ts of the Dominion which, adversely . affected some time ago by drought, have since- recovered to such an extent that difficulty is found in supplying their need.s. and also from Australia, which -suffered huge losses in sheep and cattle. In addition to these causes, there is a live demand for beef to fill army contracts made by some big firms, wlii’-e- the strong position evidenced at wool sales has improved the position so far as the sheepfanner is concerned, and kept up the prices of sheep. It is stated: by a man of wide experience wlio travels to and operates in many parts of the island, and wlio is in close,-oh with the markets, that a much larger number of cattle and sheep have gone into the works than usual, especiallv of cattle. He has lately been in Hawke’s. Bay, where there is a strong need of large supplies of all stock, while he- h-a-s met Australian buyers looking for stock to irepl-enisli the station needs, and the demand is largely for female stock. The present is actually a difficult time for the farmer aivd for all men whose interests lie in .stock, just because the level of prices is so high. It i-s a position demanding great care and prudence because, although -the future l looks very good, the margin of profit for the buyer of stock is not in many instances as -large as. should, he the case t-o make the position quite sound. The good export prices for beef have created a keen demand for *store cattle, in addition to the demand, caused by the surplus fee-d. But it is iu-st a que.s<Vou - r ■’l-be.r these prices justify the figures now being given for stores. But cattle are necessary, especially in the rough, country, to keep it in order, and there has undoubtedly been a shortage in beef cattle. In shcrip ,too, there has been and still is a big demand, and many big lines have been bought up at about 21s. It is stated, however, that many holders are asking up to 25s for ewes for fattening. , Lambs are -to be «een en route to the works in large numbers, and they arc killing exceedingly well. The price is very good, hut in some, cases in the big centres last week it is reported that private buyers were giving considerably more than the works’ offers. Tt has been stated on ,several l , occasions that young dairy stock are likely to be very scarce during the next season- This will probably be the case; but on the other hand .it L understood that more have been kept- than was anticipated, and this is likely to relieve the position. At all the big stock centres m the Dominion the market reports show an exceedingly good level of .prices, although the supply wa-s generally very large. The good prospects for the future are apparently exercising a strong influence on the position. But no doubt tfie shortage in many producing countries due to drought and other troubles,'in Australia, in England and the Argentine is having .a natural influence on "the outlook from the -farmer’s pointof view, causing! a decided feeling or optimism. which must induce those wlio want stock or those who deal 111 it, to hazard to gome extent on the future. No one wishes to strike a note of pessimism, hut the need for prudence is Q uit--* evident. Naturally the producer wants all that is in the business but those who o-perate- in stock should do SO with care'and take a I’ong view, so as n-o-t to be led away by a too near view of good times and high unices. Care for the future should rule- at. round, in the best interests of the I whole Dominion. __________