STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 31 December 1927, Page 8

STOCK MARKETS.

THE CHRISTMAS SPELL. CONDITIONS STILL, PROMISING. While there is still a certain amount of business doing privately, no stock sales will foei held tiill -tib© lirst ' Xiiuisday of the new year and in consequence it is' practically a notice of business closed for a fortnight. Sales effected show, however, that prices generally are well maintained, the demand for Christmas and New Year having been a marked factor in the situation. 11ns was very noticeable in the cities, where Large yar,dings of stock, lambs, sheep and young cattle 1 were bought up bv the butchers. The present week closes what has been tan exceedingly busy and > r ood 'time for the industry all round. 'the general indications too. are piomisino- for the coming season. Dairy produce, which lias experienced a. somewhat difficult and unexpected reverse, has improved and looks much better now. Cheese prices show a marked improvement on last year's at this time, while butter is also better. It may be. of interest too. to note in regard to frozen meat that lamb is about ftl]ie isame as in Decemibai Last year for light carcases, but a good deal better for heavy, and the same a-j.pl/ios generally u> mutton and beet. Lux it Is couisideiecl that an lmpiovenient wdlL he seen early in the new year. ~ . .., The bonus to growers of pork wi-n be very welcome, though naturally one feels regret that this has been found necessary. The industry is, howevei, so, valuable, and plays such a large part in Itllie economic world of some oi Hi© European countries that a dt»elopinenfc is essential. The hope will be expressed by all who. have the best interests of the Dominion at heart, that before long it may be found that the farmers will be iabfe to do, without this bonus.

All branches of farming may reasonably look forward to a prosperous time for 1928. A settled, payable position all round is what is required, and that this, will be so will he the new year wish to. all concerned m the industry.