NEW ZEALAND CATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 10 September 1923, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND CATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA

SUCCESS OF SHIPMENTS TWO CASUALTIES IN 700 BEASTS The success of the shipments of cattle to Australia has been demonstrated by the latter as well as by the first consignments, and it has been proved that the losses need not be heavy. Advice received at Wellington, says the Dominion, from the Waihora stated that of the 700 beasts aboard only two had died on the passage. The market, of course, depends on the seasons in Australia and on the recurrence of the abnormal droughts that precluded the droving of prime beef from Queensland, and it remains to he seen whether New Zealand can continue to supply the quantities that have been sent over this season. From the North Island alone 6000 bead have been sent over, 4300 of which were from the Wellington district. The gathering of drafts in twos and threes 'when the available larger mobs have been exhausted might eat too heavily into profits, supposing that the supply could he maintained without prejudicing New Zealand’s slaughtering requirements. But after the success of the experiment. launched by the well-known Victorian cattle buyer, Mr Keith McLean, Dominion pastoralists will have their eyes on the Australian seasons more closely, as the prices obtained are proving very satisfactory. The Melbourne office of tlie New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., 1 Ad. ,report:— “The second shipment of bullocks from New Zealand arrived here on Tuesday last by the s.s. Wailmra numbering about 700 bead. The cattle had a splendid trip across, and only six bend, were lost on the journey. A special sale was held yesterday and a large number of buyers and spectators were present. The general opinion of the buyers was that, the first- consignment, of bullocks were heavier, hut that this consignment were, vounger ratio and better quality, being 'more suitable for the Owing to the first- consignment killing heavier than the butchers anticipated, competiio,, was exceedingly brisk throughout yesterday. Odd beasts made up to £4O lOs, while pens sold at from £24 10s to £2B 17s 6d., and the whole consignment averaged £26 3s 8d per head. The estimated average weight was about 8301 b. and we consider that the beef on the hoof made from 63s to 65s per 1001 b. Without exception, yesterday’s yarding of cattle was the fines ever offered at Newmarket in one line, both for breeding and quality, and is a fine advertisement for the Dominion.” Advice has just been received regarding the fourth shipment sold on August 26. comprising 593 bullocks and 109 cows. The supplies were considered to be of good prime quality, but the opinion was expressed that these were not of quite so good a quality as the previous lots, which were over 8001 b.. and realised from 62s to 63s per 1001 b. on the hoof. Prices however reached £3O 7s 6d. ,averaging £25 0s 9d, right through for bullocks, while cows and heifers averaged £l7 0s lOd. It is understood flint, the salo is considered satisfactory by those interested.