COMMERCIAL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10416, 31 March 1910, Page 1

COMMERCIAL.

ADDING/TON MARKETS

(Pee Peess Association.)

Ghristchureh, March. 3.0. The attendance at Addington to-day was not up to the average. There was a verv full yarding of sheep and lambs, but cattle showed a falling off in numbers.

The yarding of fat sheep was very large, and the quality well up to the average. Prices were on a par with late rates. The rango was: —Prime wethers 16s to 19s, others 13s 4d to 15s9d, prime ewes 13s 6d to 17s 9d, others 8s to 13s, merino ewes 6s. The yarding of fat lambs was smaller than that penned at last week's sale. Though the class of| stock was well represented, nevertheless, .and included all descriptions, ranging from good iSrime quality to inferior. The bulk of the yarding showed a slight decline m quality over last week's, with the result that prices showed a slight decline. Export buyers were operating freely, and there was no weakening in prices of real good quality stuff, which changed hands at prices up to late rates. The range of prices was: Tegs 16s to_ 18s, ordinary freezers 13s 6d to 15s 6d, and small inferior or unfinished lots brought values ranging from 10s 6d to 13s. - The yarding of store sheep was again large, all descriptions being penned, the larger portion being ewes of all ages and' quality. The lot were quitted at satisfactory prices and a general clearance was made at prices well up to the average of last week's sale. Competition for even lines of sound-mouth sheep Was brisk, and farming buyers showed a. willingness to extend their prices for good lines of well-bred sheep; in fact, the demand for good breeding stock was gratifying, and the market remained firm. There was also ample demand for wethers, the values of which showed an appreciation in some instances of from 9d to Is per head. Store lambs were quitted at prices on a par with those ruling at last week's sale. The range of prices was: Wethers 9s Id to 13s 4.d, ewes Ss 4d to 15s 9d, lambs lis to 13s. . . The yardiug of, fat cattle comprised 220 head, the bulk of the steers being of a.good useful sort. The demand for.--all classes of fat cattle was irregular, and sales dragged considerably. The passings were heavy, and all classes suffered a decline in price to the extent of 6d per 1001b as compared with values at last week's sale. Prices ranged from 18s to 22s per 1001b, according to quality. Steers realised £6 to £lO ss, heifers £5 to £B, and dry cows £4 7s 6d to £7 12s 6d. Only a small number of fat calves were offered, and these changed hands at prices ranging from 4s 7d to £3. There was a small yarding "of store cattle, mostly of plain quality. The demand was weak and the sale dragging. Yearlings fetched 255, 15 to 18months sorts 39s to 57s 6d, 2-year-old steers £3 15s to £3 18s, 2-year-old heifers £3 14s, 3-year-old steers £5 12s 6d to £6 2s 6d, dry cows £1 10s to" £4 2s 6d.

Tho yarding of dairy cows was very .small, and tho quality generally poor. Sales were made at from £3 6s to £9. There was a good yarding of fat pigs, and values were steady at late rates. Choppers made 40s. to 80s, heavy porkers 32s to 355, lighter 25s to 32s (equal to 3i : d to 33d per lb), large baconers' nlade 47s to 50s, and lighter weights -38s to'44s"(equal to 4Jd per lb). For stores there was not much demand. Medium stores fetched 30s to 28s and, small 14s to 17s; -weaners brought 5s to Ss 6d.