MUTTON AND LAMB

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21979, 14 June 1933, Page 7

MUTTON AND LAMB

SHARP RISE IN PRICES (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, June 13. A sharp rise in the prices of mutton and lamb took place at the fat stock sale at Hamilton to-day. Considerable importance is attached to the movement, which coincides with the firming in value for other sheep products. The prices realised for heavy wethers were up to 24s 9d, medium from 16s to 18s, and light from 14s 6d. Heavy ewes made un to 16s Id, medium lOs to 12s 6d, and plain from 8s 6d. Heavy lambs ranged in price to 18s 6d, medium bringing from 13s to 15s and plain from 10s 6d. This is the first time these prices have been obtained during the past two years. At the last Westfield fat stock sale wethers made up to 18s 6d, ewes to 14s, and lambs to 17s. In the initial stages of the sale at Hamilton there was no indication that prices would advance. However, a sudden firming developed and prices rose with sensational swiftness. The New Zealand Herald correspondent states that sellers experienced a thrill of the revival of prosperous days. Prices far outranged the hopes of the most optimistic, although the circumstances at Hamilton were exceptional owing to the short yarding. There has been a much improved tone in the market for muttou and lamb and at the present time there i; a fairly general shortage of fat sheep.