MARKET REPORTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14610, 18 February 1908, Page 8

MARKET REPORTS.

AMBERLEY. At the Amberley market yesterday there was an entry of 4000 sheep. Fat lambs made 13s to 16s, the principal lines being 356 at 13s 2d, 173 at 13s 6d, 180 at 14s, 65 at 15s, 42 at 16s and 67 at 15s 7d. Fat ewes made 9s to 13s Id, backward and fair-mouth ewes 4s to 6s 3d, old ewes Is 9d to 2s 4d, fat wethers 10s lOd to 15s 4d, full-mouth ewes 9s 3d, two-tooth wethers 8s 9d, store lambs 6s 9d to 10s 2d.

ASHBURTON SKIN SALES. The skin sales, postponed during the harvest, were resumed at Ashburtou yesterdav. The entry was only moderate, and prices were easier. The following prices wero obtained: —Skins— Half-breds Is to is 6d, cross-breds Is 6d to 5s 6d, lambs 8d to 2s, merinoes siid per lb, pelts 2d to Is 7d, calfskins 9d, hides 7s; wool—fleece 4sd to 7Jd, pieces 2d to 3'Jd, locks ljd to 2d; fat—bag l£d to lja, tin ljd.

FAIRLIE. The monthly stock sale was held in the Fairlie Yards yesterday. There was an entry of about 3100 sheep, of which a large proportion were fat. For these the bidding was fairly brisk, but anything in the nature of stores was not eao-erlv sought for. Sales were as follow*:—467 fat lambs at 16s Id, 260 fat lambs at 15a Id. 103 fat lambs at 14s lOd, 35 fat wethers at 17s lOd, 650 forwards lambs at 10s, 400 forward lambs at lis 6d.

INVEROARGILL STOCK MARKET. [Fholi Our Correspondent.] INVEROARGILL, February 14. Sheep.—The dry weather and consequent shortage of grass is having a depressing effect on the sheep market. At the periodical sales held this month farmers with early winter feed have been haying very cautiously, probably waiting for a further drop in, values. Dealers who bought lambs sonfe time ago and are now taking delivery find that they have gone back in condition since th© time of purchase. Twenty-four hours' good rain would make a wonderful change in the sheep market, but at present things are at somewhat of a standstill. A few good iambs have been sold.at from 12s to 12s 6d. The demand for young ewes lias not set in yet, but it is 'fully expected that in another six weeks or two months the demand will be fully as good as it was last year. Butchers' wethers are selling at "from 16s 6d to 18s. Fab Lambs.—The season has started, but buyers complain that as yet they cannot obtain any quantity, and in most cases buyers' and sellers' ideas of values differ to such an_ extent as to make business impossible. [ understand that from 4!d to 4Jd per lb is being paid. As last year's market opened at sd. graziers are not keen to Bell at present. Cattle.— The trade passing in fat cattle is confined to that required to fill local butchers' requirements. Beef at the present time is worth from 20s to 22s 6d per 1001 b. The general impression is that when winter sets in fat cattle will be fully as high as last year. Store cattle, owing to the dry "weather, are very dull of sale, though a few inquiries have been received from the north for wellbred yearlings and two-year-olds.