LIVE STOCK PRICES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 22 May 1936, Page 2

LIVE STOCK PRICES

THIS WEEK’S BLENHEIM SALE

A further increase of from Is 6d to 2s for fat wethers, with ewe prices remaining on a par with those at last auction, formed the feature of this week s stock sale at the Blenheim yards, when the effects of a favourable fattening season resulted in a number of highly attractive sheep being penned. A much bigger entry was offered than was the case a fortnight ago, but as a result of butchers’ requirements needing replenishing and the unusual quality of the majority of the yarding, a good' auction resulted, with only a few passings (reports the “Express”). Altogether, the entry totalled 2213, of which 1097 were fats. Of the latter ewes numbered 650, and all were of good class and attracted a good deal of attention from butchers. A pen containing 25 uuusually heavy specimens created keen competition before they were knocked down at 19s 10d. These were followed closely by another pen which commanded 19s 2d. A number of sales were made at round about 17s, 17s Id and 17s 2tl, while from 15s and 15s 6d to 16s and 16s 9d were also popular prices. At the last sale IBs 9d was the best price paid. Taken all round, the wethers were a classy lot, and the increase in prices was fully justified. Keen inquiry was experienced for nearly every pen, and it was evident that the butchers were eager to purchase the better quality sheep, pride of place on the price list was taken by a pen containing 38 super quality sheep offered on behalf of Medway liills, for which 24s lid was paid following a session of spirited bidding. Another line from the same station failed to reach the reserve and were nassed in at 23s 9d. A dozen sheep of almost similar quality, sold on behalf of the Misses Murphy, Spring Creek, fetched 23s 6d, while several other lots made round about 22s 4d, 22s 7d, and 22s Bd. Numerous other stiles were made at from 20s up to 21s. A fortnight ago 23s 5d was the best price paid. Only 48 lambs were included in the fat section, and 21s 3d and 21s 9d were the top prices. A good-conditioned “pet’ - sold on behalf of Miss A. O’Leary fetched 24s 6d.

The majority of the 1116 stores yarded comprised well-grown lambs for which farmers appeared keen. A lino numbering 64 good-sized crossbred ewe lambs fetched 22s 7d, and these were closely followed by a slightly smaller draft, which made 22s 4d. Best wether lambs made 14s 9d, 15s and 15s 2d.