LIVE STOCK MARKET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 27 March 1936, Page 3

LIVE STOCK MARKET

THIS WEEK'S BLENHEIM SALE •A general easing of prices for all soi ls was reflectetl at t:ir weekly Blenheim .sheep- sale, when the inquiry failed -to equal that at recent auctions. The attendance of buyers was smaller than of late (reports the- “Express”). As was the case last week, the yarding of 5730 .was not exceptionally big, but it contained a number of small lots, and a great deal more time was taken up in disposing of the offering than is usual for an entry of the size. In one way the decline in prices was not altogether surprising for the general quality left much to be desired. Sheep of any reasonable standard were scarce. In the fat department, where 536 sheep were penned, the poorest quality was among the ewes, and altogether the 191 offered were a very ordinary lot For some time prior to last week’s sale ewes were all ol quite high quality, but at tiie last sale the standard was lowered slightly and this week only two sheep managed to reach the ,15s mark. The best of tiie others made 14s 9d and Ms 8d while round about 13s 3d and 13s 9d were the most popular prices. Medium weights made 10s 3d. A week ago 17s Gd. 15s fid, and 15s 3d were ilie best prices ruling. A bigger entry than usual was made by wethers, but here again sheep of aiiv class were not numerous. The few that did carry something like condition were not wanted by butchers, who did net appear to lie in'ercstod this week. Passings were numerous, and the best prices were 23s 6d, 21s lid and 19s, while several lots were disposed of at from 16s to 19s. A week ago 24s 4d and 22s were the lop prices paid. Only 11 lambs were offered. and these wo>e knocked down at 17s 4d, 17s and 15s 6d.

The same dull atmosphere prevailed in the store section. The majority of the entry consisted of ewes of various acres and quality. Large framed 6 and 8-th Romney ewes showing good eondi lien fetched 80s 3d. 20s 6d, and 23s 10, while a line of well grown Down cross shepn went- up to 23s 6d before changing bands. A small lot of 2th lialfbreds made 19s.' while another slightly bigger pen fetched 20s 7d. For the wethers offered only very ordinary prices were paid, the best being 18s lOd, which was paid for 5: good quality 6 and 8-tli halfbreds. Slight!v better interest was evinced m lambs, and several lots of wellgrown ewe lambs were disposed of of 20s 6d, 19s 6d, and 17s 4d.