THEN AND NOW

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23953, 31 October 1939, Page 3

THEN AND NOW

PRICES UNDER THE COMMANDEER CONTRASTS IN MEAT AND WOOL THE POSITION IN OTAGO In view of the recently-determined prices at which the British Government will purchase the New Zealand wool clip and the season’s output of frozen meat, it is interesting to recall the average level of values that ruled for these commodities on the markets of Otago during the 1938-39 season. Comment on the comparison is unnecessary, since farmers will be able to form their own estimates of how the new rates compare with those of the previous year, and to what extent Increases will be affected by costs. Wool Figures The average price per bale and per lb of wool at each Dunedin sale for the past two seasons was as under:—

The following tabulation shows the disposals, total proceeds and average price per bale and per lb at the four main sales at Dunedin in 1938-39:

The , Ee ® son was a most difficult and nerye-testmg one for all connected with the Industry. Considering the gravity of the International situation, the clip sold readily, with few price fluctuations, and the carry-over is of small dimensions. Prices were certainly disappointing, but conditions were anything but conducive to buoyant markets. The consistently low level of values ruling for the finer descriptions, which comprise so large a proportion of the Otago clip, made it extremely difficult for high-country farmers to show any profit, and many have suffered substantial losses. Crossbred values opened up better at the beginning of the New Zealand season, but half-breds were decidedly easier. All through the season crossbreds were in demand, due principally to the rearmament activity, resulting in a keen and sustained inquiry for these wools. Sheep and Lambs The position with regard to 'meat In the South Island concerns mainly mutton and lamb, the prices for which have been estimated by Mr James Begg. " Making full allowance for charges, and taking the value of by-products on a conservative basis," he said, *• the value of sheep and lambs on South Island farms would be as follows:

*' Should by-products realise satisfactory prices, these figures might be Increased by at least Is per head.” During the past season the average rates ruling in Otago were as follows: —

Season 1937-38. per bale. per lb. £ s. d. d. December .. .. 17 1 8 12.77 February ., .. 14 7 1 10.39 March .. .. 14 2 11 10.22 April .. .. 9.47 Season 1938-39. per bale. per lb. £ s. d. d. December .. .. 13 1 3 9.72 February ,. .. 13 2 2 9.7 March .. 13 1 2 9.74 April .. .. 8.8

Sales 'Season 1938-39. 101,022 bales. Proceeds .. .. £1,294,164 9 6 Average per bale £12 16 3 Average per lb .. 9.5d.

Lambs 8. A. 321b lamb .. 1 38 lb lamb .. ■2 451b lamb .. Wethers 4 451b wether 0 521b wether fl 501 b wether 0 681b wether 4

Sheep B. d. S. d. Fat lambs (export) .. 19 0 to 20 0 Fat lambs (butchers’) - to 26 6 Fat wethers (export) .. 15 6 to 17 0 Fat wethers (butchers’) 20 0 to 26 0 Fat ewes (export) 7 0 to 8 6 Fat ewes (butchers’) .. 9 0 to 15 0 Crossbred ewe lambs .. 17 0 to 20 0 Halfbred ewe lambs .. 12 0 to 15 0 Crossbred wether lambs 12 0 to 16 0 Halfbred wether lambs 8 0 to 12 0 Crossbred ewes (young) 25 0 to 31 0 Halfbred ewes (young) 17 0 to 22 0 Crossbred ewes (s.m.) 17 0 to 20 0 Halfbred ewes (s.m.) 8 0 to 12 6 Forward crossbred wethers 18 0 to 22 0 Forward halfbred wethers 11 0 to 14 0