SHEEP VALUES RISE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22030, 9 February 1935, Page 14

SHEEP VALUES RISE

BETTER FEED PROSPECTS r 1 WAIPUKURAU EWE FAIR f FARMERS ANXIOUS TO BUY [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] HASTINGS, Friday A sharp rise in values was recorded at the owe fair at Waipukurau to-day, when an entry of 14,500 sheep met with tho keenest competition that has been experienced in Hawke's Bay this season. Values rose about 3s a head for young sheep, older lines appreciating from Is 6d to 2s 6d a head, according to quality. This estimate is on a conservative basis, with the Hastings values on Wednesday being used for comparison. For this wolcomo change vendors had to thank the rain which fell yesterday, and continued at y intorvals throughout tho sale. Vendors and auctioneers expressed themselves as very satisfied with the prices obtained. The demand was chiefly local, with a number of buyers from Napier and Hastings present. With tho prospects much improved, farmers came into competition vigorously for all classes of breeding owes.

Tho sale was well attended, and before tho start it was freely predicted that prices would take a turn for tho bettor, as many farmers who had been holding back from purchasing because of doubtful food prospects wero present. Bidding on the first few pens was slower than later on in tho sale, as prospective buyers ascertained tho pulse of the market. Shortly, however, values rose, and were well maintained until the end of the sale.

Tho quality of the entry was not generally of a high standard, and a big proportion of poor-conditioned rougher woollcd lines was included. In consequence, the actual prices realised might not appear to be much different from those realised at Stortford Lodge this week, but there was a marked difference in tho general quality of tho offerings at the two sales. NORTH ISLAND CENTRES GOOD RAIN AT GISBORNE HAWKE'S BAY BENEFITS Thursday's rain was widespread in Gisborne and the coastal districts, averaging about 2in. in most parts. At Waiohika 3.049 in. was registered, and at Hangaroa 2.055 in. Farmers throughout the greater part of Hawke's Bay are jubilant at the splendid rains which have fallen. Pastures have received a good soaking and the benefit which will result can scarcely be estimated. Reports show that the rainfall was general over a wide area. There was an average fall of over 2in., while the highest was 4.00 in. Fortunately most of the harvesting of grass seed and cereals been completed. This work, aided by the long spell of fine weather, was got through a good deal earlier than usual. The rain means the salvation of many orchardists with crops of pears. Maize crops will benefit considerably as the cobs have now reached the stage of swelling. One particularly pleasing result of the rain in various areas in Hawke's Bay was the replenishment of tanks, for in many cases supplies of water were practically exhausted. After .a prolonged dry spell, light rain with some heavier showers set in at Masterton last evening. The district has been feeling the effects of drought rather severely, and in the town of Featherston a street delivery system has had to be instituted. Grans and bush fires have also been prevalent. Hopes are entertained that rain will continue, although so far it i» riot heavy enough to give adequate relief. The temperature is now much lower after several scorching hot days. The reading on Monday was 91.2 degrees.