DEARER BEEF

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 231, 12 September 1934, Page 7

DEARER BEEF

VALUES RISE AGAIN STORTFORD LODGE SALE Short Entry; Strong Demand BULLOCKS MAKE TO £ll 10/Strong competition from Wellington and Manawatu buyers, buttressing local demand, resulted in a further spectacular rise on the fat cattle market at the Stortford Lodge sale to-day, when a short entry of 182 head realised rates which showed an improvement on last week’s values. Only one pen of stock was passed in. the remainder of the entry selling readily.

On the day's selling female beef was the dearest buying, some buyers estimating the tow and heifer beef at 26/- a hundred, as against 21/- for bullocks. The quality of the entry was generally good, some excellently flnlsned heifers and bullocks being penned •p.

From the commencement of the sale bidding was vigorous and it was freely predicted that last week’s prices would be equalled and bettered. These hopes were more than realised as the selling progressed, bullocks making £ll and over and heifers reaching the £9 mark. It was certainly a great day for vendors and contented countenances were to be observed round the auction ring. Auctioneers also expressed their satisfaction with -the sale. The reason for the high values at present ruling on the Hawke’s Bay fat cattle market is the shortage of beef cattle in the outside districts, auch as Wellington and Manawatu. These districts are consequently having ♦o draw upon Hawkes’ Bay, and, as the average requirements at Hastings are in the vicinity of 225 head of eattle, competition is consequently strong and prices high. Housewives may expect an increase in their meat bills if present values are maintained.

A selection of the entries and prices paid will be found on page 8.