DUNEDIN LIVE STOCK MARKET.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1092, 29 April 1863, Page 4

DUNEDIN LIVE STOCK MARKET.

Driver, Maclean, and Co. report, for week ending 18th April, 1863:—We have no change to make in our last quotations, although transactions during the week have been rather limited, owing to the unsettled state of the weather, and the absence of several of our largest buyers. Store stock, both sheep and cattle, continue in good demand; and we do not anticipate any decline from present rates for some time to come, as it is an acknowledged fact that the number of available cattle and sheep in the province will be far less than our requirements during the ensuing year. The diggings trade requires all our provincial fat stock; and, at times, are obliged to come to this market for supplies. Fat Cattle: As this market is entirely dependent upon importations from the North Island and Gipps Land, our supply is very irregular and uncertain, leaving us either without cattle or an overstocked market. About 70 head have come to hand during the week (large proportion very inferior quality.) Very few have been sold at the yards, as the butchers have a few days' supply on hand, and are not inclined to buy anything but really good, fresh cattle. Store Cattle: During the week we have sold 350 head of mixed cattle, including Mr. Lockhart's lot at Oamaru, on the 14th instant, which being a very mixed lot, brought prices varying from £8 10s to £18; and 50 head of imported cattle, delivered near town, at £12. Stores over two years old, and in good condition, are in demand at from £12 to £14. Working Bullocks and Dairy Cows: The former have become very scarce, and much enquired after. We have sold a few pairs during the week at £55 to £60. We have for sale a few first-class bullocks, ex Lord Ashley, from Wellington. First-class dairy cows are saleable at £18 to £22. Fat Sheep: The market continues very bare of good mutton. Only 200 offered at the yards, which realised 30s to 33s (inferior quality.) Store Sheep: We have disposed of 2,500, of various classes at, say for ewes, two, four, six, and eight-tooth, 30s; wethers, four to eight-tooth, 265; lambs, mixed sexes, 20s; young ewes and large-framed wethers are in active demand. Horses: The market during the week, comparatively speaking, has been entirely bare of young and active cart horses, which are at this season so much sought after; consequently we have to report a falling off in the number of sales effected; great enquiry, and a disposition on the part of owners of this particular class of stock to hold for higher rates.