AUCTIONEERS' REPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1932, 30 November 1888, Page 18

AUCTIONEERS' REPORT.

Messrs Abtbub M' Donald and Co. report as follows for the week ending Wednesday, 28th NoTember:— * Wool. -The recent wet weather haa considerably Interfered with shearing operations. It is therefore doubtful whether sufficient wool will be forthcoming to hold our opening sale on the 13th proximo ; we will, however, be in a position to deal with the matter definitely next week. Among tho more important lines vye have to hand since last r«port is a portion of the Waihao Downs clip. We observe that many growers who have for many" years shipped to London direct have an inclination to offer their wool for sale locally this season, and, taking into consideration the present position of the market,. we do not think they will regret doing so. The result of the London Bales, which, opened yesterday is now hourly expected, and it would not surprise us to note an Increased demand, with "an advance in prices, which would, as Is usual, be at once recorded her 6. Beyond the disposal of several unimportant lots which are sent forward for immediate sale there is little actual business pasßing hero In the meantime. We are informed that at the opening sales ia Christchurch lust week an advance of Id to l£d per lb was recorded as compared with the corresponding period of last year, which i« a good indication. Woolpacks we quote at 2s 4a, without pledging growers to forward their wool to us for sale. Sheepskins.— We submitted an unusually large catalogue at our sale on Monday, before a large gathering of buyers. Competition was exceedingly brisk for all descriptions, and prices fully equal to last week. Wequote butchers' green crossbreda.best lines, 6s Id to 6s Gd ; medium, 5s 3d to 5s 9d ; butchers' merinos, 4s 6tl to 5s 3d ; country skins soil at equal ' to 5d to 6d per Ib for Rood ordinary lota. Hides continue in fair inquiry ; the most attention ia given to heavy weights, while medium and light | are difficult of s\lo. O&lfakins have less inquiry, and prices nre easier. 0 allow is m very active demand, and £2o per ton is obtainable for prime rendered mutton. Beef Ib , worth £23 to £:4 ; mixed, £21 to £22 10a. We sold all rough fat to hand at Us to 15s for ordinary lotv the bulk nt the latter price, while 14» was tho lowest recorded at our sale tins week. Uabbitskins.— Our London agents inform us by cable that at the sales there last Friday best descriptions advanced 2d per lb, and out of senson sorts IJa per lb. The offerings at this season of the year arc small ; however, all coming forward meet with ready sale and, quality considered, make prices fully equal to London rates. Wheat.— Considerable activity has marked the course of this market during the week, and some exceptionally large sales have been effected. Tho principal demand is for the Sydney market.; We quote as follows -.-Prime Tuscan, 4s 6d to 4s 7jd ; prime velvet, 4s 3d to 4s 6d ; medium milling, 4s to 4s 3d ; chick is in keen demand, with little offering* Oats.— Since our last report priceß have advanced, lOd to Is par bushel. The market is very exoited, and the principal demand has come from speculators, who have eagerly taken up all offering at the following prices -.—Prime milling, 4s 2d to 4s 3d; bright feed, 4s to 4s 2d; medium, 3e lid to 4s; I musty In proportion. Chaff has good inquiry, and has also advanoed, i and to-day £4 15s to £5 is obtainable for best oaten ! sheaf, and £4 5a to £i 10a for medium. Straw chaff sells from £3 1 5s to £3 ss, according to quality. » As the present high price will induce many to forward 1 supplies who would under ordinary circumstances not do so, especially from a distance, prices may ease I off, but of course everything depends upon the supplies. There Is a good demand for chaff pressed ready for shipment, and for such good prices are ob1 tamable. i Salt butter has improved, and Is worth up to lOd perlb to-day. Cheese.— ln better inquiry, and sales are readily effected at 5d to s|d for prime farmers' lota, and 6d to «id for factory. Potatoes.— Supplies during the week have been In excess of the demand, and prices are lower and irregular.