WAIKATO VALUES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 7

WAIKATO VALUES

STEADY CONDITIONS INTEREST IN DAIRY CATTLE RECORD PRICE FOR BACONER Last week's severe weather in the Waikato has made tho approach of winter seem more real, and spurred farmers more earnestly to the unloading of surplus stock. Dairymen are rushing their rejects to market and fortunately are meeting with a good demand, .for buying agencies appear a little keener in their competition for this class. In general, fairly steady conditions rule. Not many cattle of good grazing quality come forward, but all' entries are closely watched and the desirable items extracted. Dairy cattle are again moving forward, a much keener interest being observable in the selling ring. In spite of the intention of inanv to disperse or reduce their herds, there can be no doubt that the demand for replacements will exceed the supply, and when this is fully realised present estimates of worth will be forgotten. It is probable, in fact most likely, that notwithstanding the extension of lamb breeding, more cows will be milked this season than ever before, for the carrying capacity is increasing annually and much new country is being developed with dairying as its chief object. Pigs, in tho obscure corner of the saleyards devoted to them, continue, unrecognised by many, to form the most important and most lucrative exhibit; certainly in proportion to floor space there is no section fit to compare. So unostentatious is the conduct of this trade that few realise its magnitude. and worth noting is its freedom from the fluctuations that beset other branches. For the past six months con-, ditions have been steady, with a gradual improving tendency, baconers at Frankton this week attaining the record level of £3 7s, the present value of an average fat cow. Conditions in the separate sections are:— bee£ Heavy supplies still clog the market and there seems no chance of value improvement until the surplus diminishes. For ox beef there is little local demand and it is fortunate that one exists elsewhere Graziers with cattle suitable for export have abandoned auction as a form of marketing, and, indeed, could not without serious loss facn r the rates that are current there. The Frankton yards on Tuesday were heavily stocked and mostly by dairy-bred cows. Competition over all was much on last week's basis. "Boner" cow buyers were operating freely and values for this class seemed a little firmer. Ox beef sold to 263; ordinary ox, 22s to 245; prime heifer, from 21s to 245; young cow. ISs to 20s; ordinary, 15s to 16s; boners, lis to 13s 6d. MUTTON Another heavy entry was penned at the Central yards this week, and, although some of the wethers equalled the previous rates, competition over the whole was easier. Ewes were again in strong supply and faced a more limited inquiry, with a consequent decline in values. Lamb entries were numerous and strong competition faced them throughout. Values were slightly is advance of the week previous. Best wethers made to 30s Gd; medium sheep, 25s 6d to 27s 6d; light, from 223 to 24s 6d; best ewes, to 21» (few to 225); medium, 17s 6d to 19s; light, from lGs to 17s. STORE CATTLE Entries in this section, apart from boner cows, incline to slacken, but the various oddments are watched with interest and generally find purchasers. The next month or two usually passes quietly and this season is unlikely to be an exception. Interest in dairy cattle is increasing and considerable paddock business has lately been recorded. It is evident that the bulk of this year's business will be transacted outside the saleyards as was the former custom, and on that account high values may be anticipated. Dairy herds are being traded in this fashion at from-£6 to £9, with heifers from £5 10s lo £B. Inferior types at the yards are. of course, less than these figures. Yearling heifers are being dealt with in the Bame .way and for good lines are submitted to auction. STORE SHEEP Northern breeding ewe? are still prominent and continue to sell freely. For ordinary lines the current rates are from 23s to 255, with younger sheep up to 28s or 30s. Store lambs in many instances show the evidence of decay that is customary at this season, but for all thriving lots there is a strong and steady demand. Forward classes sell from 16s Gd to ISs 6d; good stores, 14s to 16s: small, 10s to 12s 6d; culls, from 6s, PIGS Good entries continue to pour in and for all fat classss an excellent demand exists. Bacon again advanced slightly at Frankton on Tuesday, registering the record for the season at £3 7s. Porkers also were very firm at the current schedule. Store pigg were again dull of sale. NEW PRIVATE COMPANIES The following private companies have been registered in Auckland:— Henderson Timber Company, Limited, sawmillers, Te Kuiti. Capital, £I3OO in £1 shares. Subscribers: A. Henderson and F. G. Henderson, 500 shares each; A. R. Henderson, 300 shares. Brownes Agencies, Limited, commission, indent and general agents. Capital, £SOO in £1 shares. Subscribers: E. H. Browne, 250 shares; Zoe M. Browne, 249 shares; G. J. Clapham, 1 share. J. B. King and Son, Limited, plumbers. Capital, £750 in £1 shares. Subscribers: J. C. King, 749 shares; J. B. King, 1 share. Dennison Smith, Limited, drapers, Rotorua. Capital, £ISOO in £1 shares. Subscribers: A. D. .Smith, 1499 shares; Helena M. Smith, 1 share.