WEEKLY LIVE STOCK AND PRODUCE REPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1956, 20 August 1891, Page 20

WEEKLY LIVE STOCK AND PRODUCE REPORT.

Wbdnbsday, August 19.

Fat Cattle —The improved state of the market last week had the effect of largely increasing to-day s entry of cattle-a total of 274 head being yarded. Inoluded in the above were several lots of extra prime bullocks, notably those sent to hand by Messrs Elch and Holms from the Jfortroae district, a« also consignments from one or two other owners. Beef of this clasa, however, was the exoeption to thegeneral rule, the bulk comprising light to medium weight cattle, though a good few of the bitter were of fair quality. With so large a supply at their disposal, buyers operated very cautiously nearly all through the sale, and prioes as a rule were considerably below those of last week. A few buyers, however, who had delayed the completion of their purchases until nearly the close of the auotion caused a much better competition at that time, and for the last half hour prices obtained for fair quality beef were very muoh better than at the start, and nearly equal to those of last sale for the same olass of cattle. Prime bullocks brought £8 to £9 12s 6d ; medium to good, £6 to £7 ss; light weights, £4 to £5. Most of the cows and heifers were of a very medium class, still a few of the best brought £5 10s to £6 7s 6d ; inferior to medium, £2 10s to £4 10s. Anything below the first of these two figures could not be termed beef .— Bbtd, Maclean, and Co. sold 47 head as follows: -For Mr W. G. Rich (Toi Toi, Fortrose). 3 extra prime halfbred Hereford bullocks at £9 12s 6d, 3 at £9 7s 6d, 3 at £8 15s, 3 at £8 16s; for Mr D. Murray (Pukerau), 7 bullocks at £7 ss ; for a client, 21 head mixed cattle Jt an average of £5 155, 3 bullocks (light) at £4 2s 6d, 3 at £4 7s 6d, 2 cows at £3 10i.-Thb Saw ZbasAWD LOAN AND MBBOAKTILB AGBNOY COMPANY (LTD.) sold drafts for various vendors at quotations.— Donald Bbid and Co. yarded 97 and sold : For Mr D. Duncan (Bweburn), 3 bullocks at £5 6s to* £4 7s 6d, 1 heifer at £4 7s 6d ; for Mr J. Smaill (Biversdale) 6 bullooks at £5 2s 6d to £3 U 6d, 1 cow at £3 7s 6n* for Mr Wm. Thomson (Banks), 9 bullooks at £6 17s 6d to £5 10s ; for Mr John Blakeley (eimmerburn), 17 bullocks at £5 17s 6d to £3 10 a, 1 cow at £5 ss ; for Mr Jas. Moore (Castle street), 2 cows at £4 10s to £3 2s 6d ; for Messrs Wilaon and Scott (Walhola), 14 bullocks at £7 to £5 ss ; for Mr Jas. field (Henley). 7 bullooks at £5 15s to £5 ss ; for Mr B. Clark (Palmerston), 7 cows at £5 to £4 12s 6d ; for Mr T. Mewhlnney (Wedderburn), 8 bullocks at £5 2s 6d to £3 12s 6d ; for Mr Juo. Lory (Eweburn), 14 heifers at £5 10s to £4 10s, 2 bullocks at £4 12s 6d.— W&HJHT, Stbphbnson, and Co. sold 56 head as follows .-For Mr Charles Dore (gtrath-Taieri) 34 bullocks as follows : 2at£9 2s 6d, aat £8 16s. 3at £7 10s, 3 at £7 ss, 4 at £6 17s 6d, 3 at £6, £2 at £6, and 3 at £4; for Mr X. N. Babbldge (Glenham), 7 heifers at up to £6; for Mr Bichard Brownlie, 8 bullocks at from £6 2s 6d to £7; and for others, 7 cows at quotations.— GBOBGB Todd (on behalf of the Mutual Agency Company of New Zealand, Limited) sold for Mr William Thomson (Banks, Maungatua), 8 head from £S 15s to £5 ; for Mr J. Early 5 head from £5 10s to £5; and for others, 7 head from £4 4« to £3 16s.— JOHK GBDTDI.BT (on behalf of the Farmers' Agenoy Company, Limited) sold 88 head as follows:— For Mr James Holms (Waimahaka), 18 bullooks from £8 to £9 2s 6d; for Mr John Blackley (Maniototo), 18 cows and heifers to £5; for Mr Senwick (Haraweka). 2 bullooks at £"} 15*. 4 cows at Hi lOi to £6 5s • for Mr John Marshall (Henley), 14 bullocks to £6- for Mr James Griffiths (Macraes), 3 bullooKs at £6, 4 heifers at £5 10s to £5 17s 6d ; for Mr Mewhinney (Strath-Taieri), 8 heifers at £4 12s 6d to £6 • for Mr Q. Perkins (Kuri Bush), 3 cows at £3 1 5s ; for Wilaon and Scott (Waihola), 14 bullocks at £1 5s Fat Sheep.— The entry to-day was muoh about the same as last week in point of numbers, 2507 being penned, of which about 200 were merino, mostly prime. Crosabreds on the whole were soaroely up to the average as regards quality (there being a good few light sheep on offer), though in ewes there were several very heavy lots, and In wethers a fair proportion- were good enough for export, though few of any extra weights. -Although the requirements of the day were confined to local buyere, the moderate supply of good mutton brought about a better inquiry, and for sheep of this class prices were considerably firmer thau last week. In some instances an advance of nearly Is per head was noticeable, this remark applying to both wethers and prime ewes, though values were still lower by nearly It per head than they were a fortnight or three weeks since. For light and second class aheep there was but a slight improvement on the previous " sale. The best crossbred wethers submitted brought 17s, 17s 6d to 17s 9d (none particularly , heavy); medium to goocf, 15» to 16s ; light, 13s to 14s ; halfbrXandquarterbreds (light), lls 6d to 12s 6d; beat ewes. 15s to 16s, extra to 17s 6d ; other deaoriptiona, 10s to 13s 6d; merino wethers to 145.-Rbid, MACLBAN, AND Co. sold for Mr A. Douglas (East Taieri). 30 oroaabred ewes at 14s 6d, 30 pasted ; for Mr Hugh Tolmie (Waipahl), 23 crossbred ewes at 14s 21 ac 12s 6d, 40 quarterbred wethers at 12s 6d, 40 at I*2B 6d, 40 at lla 6d. 20 at lls 6d..— Thb New Zeaxand Loan and Mercantile A/jencx Company (Limited) sold for Mr James Boss (Kartigi >, Messrs A "and J. Brown (Abbotßford), and others, crossbred wethers at 14s 9d. and merino wethers at 8a fid.— DONALD Beid and Co. yarded and solds For Mr Joseph Graham (Wheatbottoro farm;, 26 croiabred wether* at 15a 9d ; for Meßars Murray, Roberta, and Co (Bineway), 120 crossbred ewes at 17e 6d to 13s 3d • for Mr J. Allan (HopehiU), 90 crossbred wethers at i7sto 16a 9d, 33 merino wethers at 145.-Wright, fiTEPrfSNSON, and Co. sold 358 E8 follows ; For Mr Ktb Parker (Elephant Hill estate). 70 prime SS wethers at 14?; for Mr^ Balfour (Southland), 60 orossbred wethers (medium weights) , at Ha 6d to 16s 6d; for Mr Patrick Ford (Chatton), 127 crossbred ewea and others (medium quality) at up to 14s 9d ; for Mr James H. Sctberlaud (Maungatua), 4Ocroisbreds at up to 15a; «» £?«fiS"toS2fS3T 4SMt Xaleri), 80 crossbred ewes at from I3t w if • w,

Gkoeoe Todd (on behalf of the Mutual Agenoy Company of New Zealand, Limited) sold : For Mr John Sutherland (Palmerston), 60 orossbred wethers from 15s 9d to 15s 6d ; and for Mr Alexander Stuatt (Otama), 60 do from 15s 6d to 16s 3d.— John Grindley (on behalf of the Farmers' Agenoy Company, Limited) yarded and sold 1084 as follows : For Mr H. North (The Cairn), 76 crossbred wethers at 17s 6d to 17s 9d, 146 do ewes at 15s 9d to 17s 6d, and 28 merino wethers at 13s; for Mr J. M'Lay (Ocean View), 259 oroaabred wethers at 16a to 17s 3d ; for Mr Telfer (Waitahuna West), 65 halfbred wethers at 14a 3d to 15s ; fqr Messrs John Beid and Sons (Monte Chris to), 129 halfbred wethers (light weights) at 14s, and 51 Shropshire Down orosibred wethers (light weights) at 14s ; for a south olient, 68 heavy wethers at 19s ; for Mr James Boas (Eartigi testate), 62 halfbred wethers (light weights) at 14s 3d.

Pigs —155 penned, representing baconers, porkers, and stores of all classes. Competition, although far from being brisk, was fairly well maintained throughout, prices realised for tbe various descriptions being about on a par with those lately ruling. Medium weight to good bacon pigs brought 35s to 41s 6d, a few extra heavy to 46s ; porkers, 22s 6d to 275 ; wellgrown store, 15s to 18s ; slips, lls to 13s ; suckers, 7s to 9s. — Kbid, Maclean, and Co. aold one or two contignments at quotations.— Thb Nbw Zealand Loan and Mhrcaktilb Agbncy Company (Limited) sold 68 as follows :-3 to 465, 4 at 41s 6d, 7 at 335, 8 at 27s 6d, 10 at 255, 10 at 24«, 8 at 20a, 7 at 18a, 5 at 17s, and 6 at 15s 6d.— Donald Beid and Co. yarded and sold : For Messrs Todd Brothers (Islington), 8 at 16s, 8 at 9s to 7s ; for Mr Juo. Blackie (East Taieri), 4 at 9s 6d ; for Mr Wm. Shand (Keith Hall), 1 at 425, 2at 34s 6d ; for Mr Laverty (Green Island), 2at 8i 6d.— Weight, Stsphsnson, and Co. sold 30 medium weight bacon pigs a» follows:— 6 at 37s 6d, 6 at 34s 6d, Bat 335, lat 325, and 9 at 31s ; also, 19 porkers, say 3 at 27s 6d, 9 at 255, and 7 at 20s.— Gbobgb Todd (on behalf of the Mutual Agenoy Company of New Zealand, Limited) sold baconers to 35s and suckers 10s to 8a 6d. Store Sheep.— The mildlweather of the past week seems to bave inspired farmers with a little more confidence, many of whom are no doubt sanguine enough to hope that winter is now over. Whether this is the case or not remains to be seen, but in the more favoured districts there has certainly been a slight growth of spring feed, At the sale held at Balolutha on Friday, 14th, some 2500 to 3000 sheep were penned, of whioh number about 500 or 600 were fat, and the remainder stores of all olasses. The attendance, although not particularly numerous, evidently consisted of buyers, as nearly every lot submitted was sold, and these at prices showing an improvement on late rates. Good crossbred ewes, in lamb, brought 14s 6d to 15s 6d ; medium sorts, 10s 6d to 12s ; crossbred hoggets (good), lls to 12s 6d ; inferior, 8s 6d to 9s 6d ; forward conditioned wethers, 13s to 14s. The various lines of fat sheep also sold at prices fully equal to town rates.— Beid, Maclean, and Co aold fat orossbred wethers, at 16s lOd ; lighter weight«,4s9d; forward conditioned wethers, 13s 10d.— John GBiNDLßY.reports having sold at auotion and privately as follows:— 23o crossbred ewes at 12s 6d, 280 halfbred do 15s 63, 305 do do at 14s, 20 orosabred do at 10s, 140 wethers (fat) at 16s 4d, 147 two-tooths at 13s Id to 13s lOd, 80 do at 13i Id, 20 fab ewes at 15s, 108 aged ewes at 5s 7d.

Country Sales.— Geoesk Todd (on behalf of the ■ Mutual Agenoy Company of New Zealand, Limited) reports holding the usual fortnightly sale at Crown yards, Balclutha, on Friday, 14th inst., when there was a good supply oi stock forward. The attendance of buyers was good, and the following was disposed of— viz., 678 oroaabred ewes from 15s 6d to 12s Id, 561 wethers from 16s 9d to 13s 4d, 357 lambs from 13s to 8s 10d, and 31 merinos at 10s; also 32 head tat and store cattle from £7 10s to £3 12s 6d.— Donald Bbid awd Co. report:— We held our usual monthly horse and stock fair at the Taieri Saleyards, Greytown Bridge, on Thursday, the 13th August. There was a large attendance of speculators and dealers from Dunedin, and of farmers and buyers from the Glutha, Tuapeka, Waitahuna, Tokomairiro, and Taieri districts! The right of grazing on the paddocks on the Barkeley Estate was first submitted, the grazing being let for eight months from Ist October prox. For nearly every paddook there was very spirited competition, and every lot was sold at prices ranging from 6s to 20s 8d per acre. The entry of horses was not a large one, and oonsisted almost entirely of farmers' lots ; but with the exoeption of the heavy unbroken colts entered by Mr C. Clarke, there was nothing very speolal submitted. There was a good demand for sound young useful draughts suitable for farm work, and for sound saddle and light harness horses, and of the lot offered 23 changed hands at fairly satisfactory prioes. Medium draughts , youDg and sound, sold at £16 to £18 ; do do aged, £12 to £15 ; do unbroken draughts, colts; £13 to £14 .0s ; sound haoks and harness horses, £11 10s to £16 ; Mr Clarke's oolts were passed at £18 10s ; aged and weedy horses, £5 to £7 10s. Of cattle, only a small yarding came to hand, chiefly young cattle. Quiet steers sold at £4 ss ; young cattle (mixed sexes), £2 10s. Sheep: For this class of stock there were several buyers present, but, with the exoeption of the draft of Bomneys from the Hon. Mr Fulton's property, the sheep offered were small and In low condition, and soaroely equal to buyers' requirements ; nevertheless, there was fairly brisk bidding, and prices realised, considering the condition of the atook, were deemed satisfactory. Bomneys sold at 16s 3d; orossbred wethers (small), 10s; oroisbred ewes in lamb, 6s 3d ; orossbred hoggets, 7s. Wool.— By the last San Francisco mail London advices up to the 10th July have been received, and from these information is to hand as to the late wool sales, which closed on the 7th of that month. Prices, as compared with the closing rates of April, show the following changes:— Medium to good greasy merino id per lb dearer, superior slightly lower ; medium to-good scoured $d per lb dearer; inferior unchanged ; fine crossbreds id per lb dearer ; other descriptions unohanged. The better daises of merino have also sold fully up to opening rates, good greasy lambs changing hands at an advance in prices. The following extract from Messrs Dalgety and Co.'* report may prove Interesting :—" The salsa opened somewhat in buyers' favour, except in the case of fine orossbreds, but the market subsequently hardened, and remained very firm uo tp the close, the tendency in most oases being decidedly in favour of sellers. The general reault is certainly bettor than was at one time expected, as, from reports from all quarters, trade appeared by no means remunerative, but it seems that consumers were very lightly stocked with raw material, and were thus compelled to buy. With an interval of nine weeks before the next series, buyers may be expected to be then in the same position, though the available quantity will be larger, and new clips commencing to arrive. It is satisfactory to record that prices have closed so firmly, and that some 13,000 or 14,000 bales only have been held over out of a total of about 353,000 offered. The commennement of the next sales early in September will now be anxiously looked forward to, but, judging by the above remarks, the prospect appears healthy. We believe rme of the returns for merinos have not been up to shippers' expectations, but it is reported as being due to the inferior condition of the bulk of Jlast season's dip. ' Looally there is not sufficient business passing to call for any remark, though any good lines, small though these may be, bring full values. Sheepskins. — The catalogues this week were scarcely as large as for some time past, still a fair representative entry of green and dry skins was submitted to buyers, all of whom were present at the sale. Ia sympathy with the wool returns lately received from Home, fine halfbred and crossbred skins met with a good competition, and sold at prices about equal to late quotations, but coarse woolled lots and inferior merinos failed to command tbe same attention, the market having shown a weakening tendenoy for suoh for several weeks past, Although prices on Tuesday were muoh about the same as at the previous sale, tbe heavy consignments of green skins coming to hand for the past month or six weeks have kept the trade well supplied, and appear to have oheoked the upward tendency of the market for the time being :— Heaviest and best green halibreds brought 6s to 6a 6d ; crossbred! , 6s to 6s 3d ; medium to good (in both classes), 5s 4d to 6s 9d ; inferior, to ss ; beat merinos, 4s 8d to 5i 6d ; medium to good, 3« 6d to 4s ; light, 3s to 3s 3d ; full-woolled country oroasbreda, 5s 6d to 6s ; double fleeces, 6s to 8s ; Inferior to medium, 2s 6d to 4s ; pelts, 9d to Is 6d ; dry merinos, 2$ 6c to 5s 6d. Rabbitskins.— Latest Home mail news under this heading is of a slightly disappointing character. The periodical sales were held on the 17th of April, when 633 bale* were offered and 456 aold The bulk consisted of skins out of season, which met a slow sale at a decline of Id to J A d per lb. The few bales of good New Zealand skins aold readily at fully late rates. Black and silver greys again realised fanoy prioes. Good Sew Zealand skins (winter greys) brought Is 7d to Is 9id, thiok pelted Is 3d to Is 7|d, mixed winters Is 3d to Is 6d, low summers lOd to Is 3d, blaok and fawn Is to 2s 2Jd, suckers and inferior 3Jd to 9fd. At the local sales held here on Monday last, large catalogues were submitted, and although buyers exhibited rather more caution than of late, there was little, if any, actual ohange in values, Black and fawn parcels, in sympathy with the Home market, appear to be more in requast, the olass most affected and commanding tbe least competition being tbjok pelted and badly payed |otl,

We think, however, that cnrrent prfoes, which are given below, will compare very favourably with the abovementloned Home rates. One or two selected lot« brought up to 19d per Ib, prime winter greys 17Jd to 18Jd , medium to good lßd to 17d, autumns lid to 13d. summers 8d to lOd, blaok and fawn 12d to 15d, inferior and torn6d to Bd, tuckers and hall grown 3fd to sd, Hides. -The weakness of the local demand for the average classes of hides it now in a great measure accounted for by the poiitionof the London market, of which we have newa by the late mall In comparing prices current here for prime and inferior torts, it muit be borne in mind that the supply of the former is below requirements, while that of the latter is much la excess, and these have consequently to be again sold elsewhere, and for suoh there is a very dull market. Prime ox are worth, looally, 3d to 3f d, with a good demand ; medium weights, 2jd to2Jd; well flayed fair weight country parcels, 2d to sjd ; second quality are neglected at IJd to 2d ; light and inferior at l\i to.l Jd per lb. Tallow.— The London tallow market Is evidently depressed, judging by late advices re the same. At auotion on the lath June 993 casks of Australian tallow were offered and 623 sold under a weak competition for all otaotes excepting the best mutton, which realised high proportionate rates Prime mutton brought 27s 3d to 27» 9J, fair to good to 275, beef 25s 6d to 27s 6d, per owt. As mentioned lait week local supplies are limited, but all lots find a ready sale at the following quotations. Prime rendered mutton in shipping casks, 18s to 20s ; medium to good, 16s to 17s ; best mixed, tame rates ; superior, 13s to 14s ; clean, unrendered oaul fat, 13s i to 14s ; butcher*' rough fat, good, lls to 12s ; inferior, 9s to 10s per owt. Wheat.— There is yet againaohange in the position of the English wheat market, a cablegram of so late a date as Augusc 14 stating that New Zealand longberried wheat is firmer at 42t 6d, Viotorian at 42s 9d, and South Australian at 43s 6d. Flour is also rei ported to be rising in valne, and altogether the state of the market is both buoyant and hopeful f rem a producer's point of view. The markets in Ounedin during the past week have been very limited indeed, yet but little has been drawn by millers from the stocks still held by purchasers who speculated in the early part of the season. In face of the firmness in English prices and the acknowledged scarcity of wheat in Europe, local holders are naturally disinclined to give way in the matter of prices, and for any small lots purchased rates fully up to late quotations have to be paid. On the other hand, there is at present very little demand, so that the extent of business passing during the week hat been practically nil. It is now probable, however, that owners will ultimately carry their point, and unleu some change for the worse takes place at Home, present rates will no doubt be maintained for the next three or four months. There is considerable inquiry on the part of farmers for seed wheat, and for suoh 5s per bushel is being asked and paid. For trade purposes, quotations are nominally the same as last week— viz., Tuscan and velvet (prime), 4s 7d to 4s 8d; medium, 4s 4d to 4s 6d ; best red wheat, 4s 6d to 4s 7d ; inferior to medium, 4s to 4s 4d ; fowl wheat, 3s 6d to 4s (sacks in terms). Since writing the above, a London cable of the 17th August reports that the Mark Lane market is hardening, prices being 2s 6d (we presume per quarter) above those of the previous week. Oats : The oat market is stendy but without change, beyond the faot that rather more business has been done during the past fortnight than for some time previous. Buyers, however, are unable or unwilling to make any advance in prices, and this position they will probably maintain, unless outside markets offer some further inducement for shipment or speculative purchases. The orders to hand are evidently of a very moderate character, and afford no latitude for increased limits. Various small shipments have been made during the past few days, both to Australia and the northern ports of flew Zealand, and as tcarcaly any fresh consignments have come to hand the execution of such orders have had to be drawn from the accumulated stocks. This, however, will have to continue for a very considerable time before anything like a scarcity will be felt. From the Oamaru dhtriot there are tome few inquiries for feed purposes, but, bo far, this has resulted in very little business. Sales during the week have been made as under:— Best milling, is 6d to Is 6jd ; extra, to Is 7d ; best bright heavy feed, Is 5Jd to Is 6d ; medium to good, Is 4§d to 1b sd ; inferior to Is 3d. Long Tartars are in considerable request for seed purposes, and « as good samples are scarce, as high as Is 9d, Is lOd, and Is lid has been paid for the primest lots. The above quotations all refer to sacks extra, ex store. Barley : There is nothing of any importance to refer to as regards this oereal, as in the first plaoe there is very little offering, and that little it is extremely difficult to place. Tempted occasionally by a low figure or something beyond the average as regards quality, a sale is now and then made ; but there is nothing approaohing a regular demand, nor can agents in any way depend upon, being able to effect sales. At the season hat now so far advanced, there is not much probability of maltsters' requirements increasing to any extent, to that what is now left unsold will have to be got rid of in small parcels from time to time as opportunity offers. [Quotations are nominally the tame as last week. Grass Seeds.— There is a considerable amount of inquiry for grats seeds just now, and every day there are more buyers in the market, that it, farmers purchasing for spring sowing. A good few line* of teed were imported from Home this season, but most of theie have now been pretty well reduoed, and as local grown stocks are light, we should not be surpriied to tee higher prices ruling during the next month or six weeks, Olovers are also moving off freely, in faot the demand for teeds is more at this early period than it has been for several seasons past. We quote best machine-dretied perennial ryegrass, 5t 6d to 5s 9d ; medium, 5s to 5s 3d ; farmers'-dreised, 4s 3d to 4s 6d ; inferior, 3s 6d to 3s 9d ; cocksfoot, 4d to 4Jd for inferior ; best, sjd to 5Jd per lb. Potatoes.— Since last writing under this heading the market hat undergone a further change for the worse ; the proceedings at this week's auctions being of a very unsatisfactory nature. How long this state of affairs is going to continue remains to be seen, but, however, at present there is not the slightest Indioatlon of a ohange for the better, as outside markets afford no outlet for shipment even at the low prices ruling. Stocks in the various stores ia Dunedin are somewhat heavy, and consignments continue to arrive dally, while to work these off there is only the demand for local consumption existing. Buyers will only deal in firat-claaa samples, and then purchase from hand to mouth, to that sales are difficult to effect ; nor would any slight concession in the way of prices induce them to operate extensively. When a sale can be made, 40s it the highest price obtainable for the beet parcels, though some of these are changing hands at rather less money. Seoond-olass and inferior lots are almost impossible to quit, but may be quoted nominally at from 25s to 36s per ton, ex store. Chaff.— Although the consignments of ohaff received during the last few days have been a little more numerous than for a short time previous, still the supplies are by no means heavy, and late ruling rates are being maintained. We quote beat oaten sheaf, 42s 6d to 45a i extra nboioe, to 47s 6d ; medium, 37s 6d to 40s ; inferior, 30s to 35s per ton. Dairy Produce —Really prime batter Is very tcarce, and can be readily placed at 9d, while other classes are In better supply, with hut little demand. Factory cheese, althoughnot plentiful, haabufe a slight inquiry ah 4|d for medium, 6d for loaf ; dairy made, 3d to 4d ; the latter being in fair supply. f The individual reports of wool, rabbiUkin, or grain brokers can be inserted in the Daily Timer and Otago Witnett at special latet,] GRAIN AND 13BED REPORT. ! Messrs William B. Ekynolds and Co., Stafford ttreet, report for the week ending 19th August as Another week of fine weather, but at time of writing it looks as if a change would soon come, which would be much appreciated, especially on the Taieri aad north as the ground ia far too dry for ploughing or putting seed into. It certainly will be disastrous if rain does not come loon in the north. Wheat.— On the spot there has been no change in either one way or the other since last reporting, but in the north a muoh better feeling la noticeable, as not only are their atooks none too heavy, but millers* supplies are getting short, as they are here, bo that it only means a little time till prices take a firm ground. The Home market during the past week has advanced fully 2i a quarter, and with the stand America is taking, a further advance is just probable. The weather, too, in England has been boisterous. We quote prime milling velvet and Tuscan, 4s 8d to 4« 9d; ordinary milling, 4s 4d to 4s 7d s inferior and fowls' feed, 3s to 4s 3d. Oats.— There is oertalnly a better tone about the market now than for some weeks back, even though there is not much shipping facilities offering, and this is accountable in the faot of snpplles having oeased coming forward, and not many really good lots offering from store. Flrst-olais oatt will maintain their figure, as there are to few About, bub low feed grades, may be difficult

to dlipose of. We quote : Prime milling, It 6d to li 7d; bright heavy feed, tt 5d to Is6d; ordinary, 1 ■ 4d to li sd ; inferior, li 3d to Is 3sd ; long Tartan, olean, bright, and true to name, up to Is 9d. Barley. — Nothing doing in It ; so give no quota- , [ tions, ai they might only mislead. Chaff.— Market has been iniufficiently supplied during the week, consequently all loti ooming forward are readily disposed of, and at an advance on last week's prices. Prime oaten sheaf, screened and well out, up to £3 10s ; ordinary, £2 to £2 ss. Potatoes —These are a perfeot drug, and a sale is a most diffioult thing to make. Holders should refrain from sending any in meantime. Seeds.— The demand has now set in for all classes, and during the week we have booked several large orders for cocksfoot, ryegrasß, and clovers, and quote : Cocksfoot, from 5d to 5Jd ; ryegrass, 5s to 6s 9d. A. LOBtB AND CO.'S PRICES CURRENT. August 19. BABBITBKIK9 1 Very ohoice seleoted does up to 19d ; good ordinary lines, 18d. We sold a very large line at 18Jd during the week ; inferior skins at last quotations. Sheepskins firm a lait quotation. Hides (light weights), lid ; best oountry hides, 3Jd (ouly prime town hides being more); slipyor damaged, Id. {Fat, rough, 11s 6d to 13s 6d; rendered, 12s to 18s. Poultry : The pens were orowded at our weekly sale on Friday lait, over 1000 head offering; all sold under good competition. Hem, 2s 2d to 3s 9d; cocks, 2s 9d for small birds to 3s 9d for prime young birds ; ducks, 5s to 5s 2d ; geese, 5s 9d to 6s 6d ; turkeys, 6d to 7Jd. Potatoes : Southern, 40s ; northern, 42s to 455. Fowl wheat: Inferior, 3s 3d; good broken, 3s 8d to 3s9d; whole, 4s. Butter: Fresh, scarce ; prime salt, 9d, wanted. Bggs more plentiful and falling. Oheesp wanted ; good dairy, 4d to 4jd ; factory, 5d to 5Jd. Pigs, 3d to 3Jd. Heavy hard to sell. We strongly advise our country friends to send in pork in preference to bacon, in which they cannot compete with. the large factories. We can offer , prime factory rolls at 6§d ; hams at 7d. Onions we can supply at £6, or an extra prime line at £7. Fbuit: We landed over 300 caies of Sydney fruit during the week, of which not 20 oases are unsold. The past week has been a busy one. On Friday we held our weekly produoe sale. The attendance, as usual, was very large. On the same day we held a clearance sale in the estate of Joseph Hooper, Bidding was spirited and prices good. On Saturday we sold shrubs and fruit trees on account of a well-known grower. On Monday we had a capital s&le of fancy poultry. There were a great number of entries, and almost every bird was sold. Farm properties command good inquiry, especially those suitable for dairying and close to town, WEEKLY MARKET REPORT. MoßiTisoir amd HoPKDf, millers, grain, produoe, tnd commission agents, Manse street, Dunedin. report (wholesale) for the week ending Auguit 19, a* follows ••— Wheat: Market firm, and has plenty inquiry, prices are moving upward. Prime Tuscans and velvets, 4s 7d to 4s 9d; other good milling sorts, 4s 4d to 4s 6d. Fowls' wheat: Good whole, 3s 8d to 4s. Prime Nelson hops. Is Id. Onions, £8. Barley: Malting, 3s to 3s 3d; milling, 2s 4d to 2s 6d ; feed, 2s to 2s 3d. Pearl barley, £13. Oats : We quote, best milling and seed, Is 6d to Is 7d; bright plu-np feed range from Is s£d to Is 6 id; other sorts, la 3d to Is 4d— all •aoka extra, off trnoks, and ex store. Flour : Hollar, £12; store, £11 ss. Oatmeal, £8 10s to £10 10s. Bran, £3 10s. Sharps, £4 10s. Potatoes, £2 to £3 ss ; kidneys for seed, £2 5s to £3 10s, Pigs; .'4olb to 1601b, well fed and well cured, 3jd; large sizes not saleable. Chaff: Good heavy clean sorts, £2 ss. Turnips, soarce, 255. Carrots, 30s to 35b. Straw (oaten and wheaten), 30s to 355. Hay (oaten), £3. Clover and ryegrass hay, £3 5s to £3 10s. Butter : Prime salt, 8d to 9d, scarce and In good demand ; casks returnable; Taranaki i fresh factory butter, Is 5d per lb— scarce. Bggs: Fairly supplied. Honey, 5d per lb. Cheese; Factory, 5d to 6Jd; dairy, 4d to 4|d. Hams and bacon : Hams, 7d to 8d ; bacon, fid to Bd. Grass seeds t Byegrass, 3s 6d to 5s 9d; cocksfoot, 4jd to 6d per lb. Cocksfoot is now in active demand. Clovers and turnips on application. Kalnit, a mineral manure : £5 per ton- Pamphlets and testimonials 'on application. We are landing per Hurnnui tome superphosphate, which should always be used In conjunction with kainlt. FRUIT AND PRODUCE REPORT. Messrs Thos. Patirson and Co., fruit and produce agents. Manse street, report for week ending August 19:Fruit market fairly supplied with oranget and lemons, and prices a shade better for Sydney fruit than they were last week. We are landing 150 cases D.B. Tahiti oranges, and a few cases of Whangareigrown and a shipment of Hobart apples (assorted). Prices for apples range from 10s to 13s 6d per case. Bggt are fairly plentiful this week ; prices easier. Fresh and salt butter in good demand ; latter worth BJd for pr{me. Onions, £5 10s to £6 10s ; better prise for prime strung. Potatoes, £2 to £2 7s 6d, There is still a slight inquiry for seed kidneys of first-olaßt quality. Honey (soarce), sd. Cheese : 4d to 4|d for prime Akaroa; farmers', 3Jd to 4|d, Walnuts, 7d. Peanuts, 2Jd. RABBITSKIN MARKET. { Kobmkt Oi.ii.Ain> and Co., Crawford street (next Pier Hotel), report as follows under date Auguit 19:— The state of the rabbitskin market at Home is by no means healthy. Our London agent writing us nnder date 10th July " regrets to say that all the buyers of rabbitskins are complaining bitterly as to the state of their trade, as they cannot sell any of the fur they already have in stock." This is confirmed by the result of the sales held 14th inst., at whioh there was a fall of 10 per cent, in values. Taking these circumstances into account it is not surprising that prices lately ruling in this market have not been maintained. We have still orders «n hand that must be completed, and quote for selected does Is 6d per lb ', other quantities in proportion. RABBITSKIN MARK El. Messrs Arthur M'Donald and Co. report for week ending 19th inst : — Since our last cable news has reaohed us reporting a fall of Id per lb in the London sales of Friday, 14th inst. Looking at prices obtained in London catalogues to hand by last 'Frisco mail, it places the matter beyond all doubt that prices ruling here are far ahead of the London equivalent ; and in order that skins purchased lately in the local market should come out at cost, the Home markets will have to show a decided Improvement. On aooount of us having large orders in hand, we are still enabled to give 18d for prime picked lots ; ordinary winters in proportion. Our returns are net oash, free of any commission. MILLERS' REPORT. The Otago and Southland Millers' Association report :— The ruling rates of millers' products are :— Flour- Stone -200's, £11 ss; 100's, £11 10s; 50's, £11 15s. Boiler— 2oo's, £12; 100's, £12 10s; 50's, £12 15s. Oatmeal-200's, £8 10s ; 25's, £9 ; 7's, £11. Bran, £3 10* ; pollard, £4 10s ; pearl barley, £13. AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL. Sydney, August 19, Wheat, 4s 9d to ss. Flour : Stone, £10 5s to £10 15i ; roller, £11 10s to £12. Oats : Feeding, Is 8d to £2 2d ; seed, to 2s Id. Maize, 3s 3d. Barley s Cape, 2s 3d. Bran, 9|d. Pollard, lOd. Pease. 3s 6d. Potatoes t New Zealand, £2 ss ; Circular Heads, £2 15s to £3. Onions, £4. Butter: Dairy, Is 6d; factory, la 9d. Cheese, 7Jd to 7dj loaf, 7Jd. Bacon : Machine-made, 5d to 6d ; hand-made, 6§d to 7d Melbourne, August 19. Wheat strong, 4s lid to 4s Ujd. Flour: Stonemade. £9 15s to £10 10i ; roller-made, £11 10s. Oats : Algerian, Is Ud ; Danish, 2s 6Jd. Barley: Cape, Is lOd to Is lid; fair malting. 3s 3d. Bran, llfd. White pease, 3s lid to 4s. Kye, 2s 7d. Adbxaidh, August 19. Wheat, dull, 3s Bd. <Flour, steidy; stone-makes, £9 5s to £10 ; roller, £10 5s to £10 10s. Oats : New Zealand, 2s 2d to 2s sd. Barley : Cape, 2s ad to 2s 7d ; English malting, 2s 9d to 4s. General markets are very flat. DUNEDIN HORSE SALEYARDS. Wbbkly Bipobt» Messrs Wright, Stkphknson, and Co. report as follows :—: — ai a A moderately large entry of horses wMOfflwd to-day, and they oomprised a few useful draught geldings and strong buggy or express van horses. For good sorts there was a fair demand, but as the greater portion was only of a «econd-ratedesi Drip Mem, the sale on the whole was not up to the average. We have buyers juit now for really good young upstanding hacks and harness horses and for a few i active tprlng dray bones. If any of our oountry j 1 friends. We any nwweriaff thwe 4e«Q«ripwwi W9

would advise them to take advantage of the present demand. In all we sold to-day 26 draught and saddle and harness horses, on account of Mr George Thompson (Balclutha), 0. Morgan (Taieri Beach), and others, at current prices. We quote : First-class draughts (extra heavy), £25 to £30 ; good ordinary draughts (young), £18 to £22 ; medium draughts, £12 to £18 ; aged draughts, £6 to £10 ; good haoks and harness horses, £12 to £16 ; medium hacks and harness i horses, £7 to £9 ; light and Inferior haoks and harness horses, £3 10s to £5. OHRISTCHUROH CORN EXCHANGE. The following la the Corn Exchange report (per H. P. Meyers, seoretary) for the week ending Friday, August 14:— The wheat market remains unaltered as to prloes, the conflicting cablegrams received from various centres having had no disturbing influence on local values. Oats »how no improvement. The seed demand Is setting in, and really clean samples are worth a shade over quotations. Barley : But little offering. Peas: Hand-threshed of true-to-name sorts are wanted for seed, but buyers do not care to pay extreme rates. Grata teed: The usual spring Inquiry it manifest, and want* are being (applied irom both local and Imported parcels.' Where really clean, and a good sample, the local seed hag most favour with buyers. Potatoes -. No Improvement in prices can be noted, and quotations are nominal. Quotations are as follow .-—Wheat: Tuscan, 4s 3d; pearl, 4s 2d ; hunters, 4s Id ; second quality— whole 3s 6d, broken 3s to 3s 3d. Oats : Milling, Is lOd ; short heavy feed, Is 9d ; long inferior, Is 7d. Barlej : Prime malting, 3s ; second quality, 2s 6d ; feed, Is lOd to 2s. Peas : Hand-threshed blue Prussians, 3s ; feed, 2s 4d to 2s 6d. Beans : Unbroken, 2s lOd to 3s. Bye grass: Machine-dressed, 5s 3d toss 6d. Cocksfoot : Machine-dressed, s£d to 5Jd. Potatoes: Derwents (nominally), 10s to 15s per ton at country stations. Dairy Produce: Unaltered. The above prices are those (paid to farmers for delivered f.o.b. Lyttelton. Sacks extra. Potatoes excepted. THE SYDNEY MARKETS. The National Mortgage and Agenoy Company report from Sydney under date 2nd inst. :— Wheat. — Matters remain very quiet; on this market. Millers are fairly stocked for the present. Still, although there is but little Inquiry, holders I are firm. The s.s. Monowai is bringing 460 and 250 tons of Oalifornian wheat at a low freight, the cost laid down here being 4s 7Jd and 4s lid respectively. Compared with these rates, Australian wheats are preferred for oheapnesa-quality, weight, and price being considered. Oata.— There has been a good consumptive demand for choice feed. Beoeipts have been Insufficient, causing a depletion of reserve stocks, Prices are higher, and the future of the market looks more assuring. Potatoes keep pouring in at a great rate, and the market has been dull and unsatisfactory. New Zealands touched 30s for round lots, at whiob price a epeoulative demand arose for export. This has had the effect of improving the position slightly, an • advance of from 2s 6d to 5s being asked on {Saturday. Circulars have fluctuated between 50a and 60s. It Is difficult to forecast the future of the market, owing to the uncertain nature of shipments. THE LONDON MARKETS. From reports to hand by the San Francisco mall, dated London, July 11, we make the following extracts t— wool. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company report:— "lhe third aeries of sales which commenced on 9th June was brought to a conolusion on the 7th inst., having thus occupied 25 sitting*. The quantities catalogued aggregated 353,384 bales, showing the unprecedented daily average of 14,131 bales as compared with 11,690 bales during the corresponding series in 1890, 13,660 bales in 1<589, and 12,742 bales in 1888. The available arrivals of Bew Zealand were 119,472;ba1e5, of which 115,282 were catalogued. Of the total 69,000 bales were forwarded to the manufacturing centres direct and inoluded in the latter were some 9000 bales held over from preceding sales. The actual quantity dealt with was about 334,000 bales, of which it is estimated 172,000 bales were taken for export— lnclusive of say 14,000 bales puronssed for America-while some 12,000 bales remain on hand for future disposal. The position established at the opening underwent but little alteration dnring the first half the series, but subsequently Frenoh buyers operated more freely, and this circumstance tended to impart a better tone to the market generally, while with the progress of the sales those descriptions coming more, immediately within the area of Frenoh competition ruled distinctly firmer. Viewed as a whole, however, the course of the market was unusually even, and it mutt be regarded as a healthy sign that notwithstanding the abnormally heavy daily catalogues, the bulk of the offerings was readily absorbed, and that with some insignificant exceptions dosing rates were the best of the series. This is to be accounted for by the fact that stooks in the hands of manufacturers continue in small compass, the comparative cheapness of the raw material having undoubtedly led to a large consumption. It is noticeable that there was little or no buying for purposes of speculation, the operations being towards satisfaction of legitimate trade requirements. Merino descriptions in the grease, suited to American wants, met a well sustained inquiry throughout andreallied steady rates, although perhaps more discrimination was shown in purchasing than during the second series. The unsatisfactory oondltion of most of the New Zealand merino clips, more especially those from the South Island, which, in several notable instances were quite below their usual standard of excellence, tended to restrict the area of competition for them, and while towards the close faulty merino growths in response to an increased French demand, sold rather " more readily, there was no quotable improvement in the deoline established at the opening of the sales. Crossbreds, whioh were in full supply, met a strong nqulry, fine and coarse qualities in the grease ruling very steadily throughout, but medium grades marked a depreciation of about jd per lb. while washed and scoured descriptions exhibited, on the whole, little change. Merino lambs were in only moderate request, and while superior descriptions in the grease were unchanged, scoured, medium, and inferior sorts declined about }d per lb. Crossbred lambs on the other hand were aotively sought after, chiefly for Scotland, and marked an appreciation of from id to Id per lb. There was a noticeable absenoe of demand for superfine washed fleece wools. We append a list of prices current for oertain representative New Zealand descriptions at the close of the third series : —Superior scoured merino, Is 6Jd to Is 8d ; average do, Is 3d to la sid j inferior do, lljd to Is 2d ; average washed merino, Is Id to .Is 3d (nominal) ; inferior do, 11 Jd to Is OJd (nominal); superior greasy merino, lOd to lljd; average do, 8d to 9d; Inferior do, 6dto7Jd; fine scoured crossbred, Is 3£d to Is 7Jd ; coarse do, 10£ d to Is OJd ; fine washed crossbred, Is 3£d to Is 6d ; coarse do, lOjd to Is ; fine greasy orossbred, 10M to Is lid ; coarse do, 7|d to 9Jd." Messrs Jacomb, Son, and Cos. remarks as to the condition of clips is of special interest to Otago. They say :— ln looking at prices realised this season especial regard must be paid to the condition of individual dips ; from New South Wales (especially New England), many are in one dry, light condition, and are " proving " very well, whereas several from New Zealand, especially the Otago district, are in suoh condition as to render it impossible to uphold their former values. BHHBPSKINS. The National Mortgage and Agenoy Company report:—Offered at public auofcion 3485 bales, sold 3233 bales. The sales were well attended and passed off very satisfactorily, prices ruling from previous rates to Id per lb advance. Crossbreds were in stronger demand than merinos, and made very full rates in many instances. We quote: New Zealand greasy skins in good condition and with sound clean pelts, as follows :— Merino: Full-woolled, 7i<l to B|d; halfwoolled, 6jd to 7f d ; quarter-woolled and shorn, 4}d to 5f d. Crossbred : Full-woolled (flue), 7|d to 9sd ; do (medium), 6jd to 6sd ; do (common), 4fd to 6§d. • BABBITSKINB. The National Mortgage and Agenoy Company report:—Offered at public auctions, 848 bales; sold, 800 bales. The market showed little or no change, and prices remain as before except for blaok skins, whioh suffered considerably owing to the absenoe of competition from the furriers. We quote :— Good to prime winter skins, ljlb to 2£lb per doz. Is 8d to Is 9|d per lb ; fair ordinary to good, ljlb to 2f lb per doz, 9jd to Is 7|d pr lb ; common and low season, l£lb to 2£ib per doz. 4d to Is 2Jd per lb ; small and su.kers. $lb to fib per doz, 4d to 9d per lb ; blaok and fawn, 7£a to Is 4d per lb. 6RAHT. Messrs Weddel and Co. report : —In New Zealand cargoes there is nothing doing. The Ooriolanus, Breta, and Bebingtoa have been ordered to French ports, and the Buthin will probably receive similar Instructions on expiry of lay days. Australian, % heat on the spot sells slowly at unchanged rates— vto, m «q iWPi *na «i per <Wlb ?x store {or b«jj

samples. New Zealand wheat, ex store, meets with a fair demand at a further reduction of Is per qr. Stocks show a considerable inorease. We quote:— Sound loag-berried, fair to good, 41s to 42s per 4961b, ex store; do short-berried do, 40s to 41s per 4961b. ex store. New Zealand oats, in view of heavy reqeipts, have lost the advance of 6d per quarter for the lighter sorts reported In our last, and we cannot quote them to-day at more than 24s to 255. The heavier kinds are unchanged at 25s 6d to 23s 6d per 3841b. New Zealand barley can only be sold for feeding purposes at 28s 6d to 29s per 4481b, ex store. New Zealand beans are 6d dearer at 37s to 38s per 5041b, ex store. SUTTXB. She National Mortgage and Agency Company report:— The butter market has remained dull, with a very small business We quote prime Normandy, 84s to 102s per cwt; do Brittany, 76s to 86s; do Danish, 92s to 102s ; do Friesland. 78s to 90s ; do Sew Zealand, 80s to 90s ; good New Zealand, 70s to 78s. CHEKS*. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company reporti— The market has recently been very slow, buyers' attention being monopolised by the new season's arrivals from America and Canada, which have declined in price to from 40s to 44i per owt. New Zealand has been neglected, and its value is lower. We quote t Finest American and Canadian (new), 40s to 4is per cwt ; New Zealand, 40i to 48s per cwt. Importations from New Zealand during the four weeks ended 4th inst,, amounted to ißsßpkgs. FROZEN MBATS. Messrs Kelson Bros. (Limited) report : — The Board of Trade returns for the six months ending 30th June 1891, give the following increased imports of mutton compared with the same period last year— namely : From New Zealand, 485,637cwt against 386,9220wt in 1890; from Australia, 72,5180wt against 53,6000wtin 1890 ; from Biver Plate, 192,245cwt against 190,6800wt in 1890. A further inspection of these returns shows that the past month is accountable for the bulk of the inorease from New Zealand and Australia ; the figures Deing : From New Zealand, 121,224cwt againit 69,3220wt during June 1890 ; from Australia, 12,7830wt against 9101owt during June 1890. New Zealand mutton ranges in prioe from 4J 1 per lbfor prime selected, down to 3d par lb for heavy unsuitable sheep. We have repeatedly remarked upon the very mixed cnaraoter of this season's shipments, Australian Mutton.— The sharp decline in prices mentioned in our last has become more pronounced, and values to-day are about §d per lb lower, at, say. 2§d and 3d p?r lb. The market is weU supplied with both Queensland and Sydney sheep, and this claes of mutton feels severely the competition of cheap supplies from New Zealand and Biver Plate. Biver Plate sheep have been freely sold at 2Jd to 2fd per lb. Frozen Lambs.— s3,ooo cwoases have lately arrived, and prices are weaker for any but very prime quality. Frozen beef remains firm at 4jd to 5d per lb for hinds, 3£d to 3|d per lb for fores. Shipments have been moderate HEMP. Mr C. Spurling reports :— Without any speoial feature in our market sinoe my last monthly report of 15th ulfco., prices of Hew Zealand whioh after that date showed but little or no change, have since not only recovered but during the sales of yesterday and previous week improved 10s to 20s per ton, mostly, however, on fine, good, and fair descriptions ; whilst the lower sorts also, although showing little change in value, have generally been rather more saleable. During the last few days some export orders have been received, but as these run mostly on good and good fair qualities, these sorts show the greater advance. A feature of the present demand is that buyers evince greater vigilance than of late in selecting parcels which are of good colour, neglecting those which otherwise although fairly cleaned, are deficient in this particular reipect. Our market closes \ with a good demand and buyers thereat. Fine well cleaned, £24 to £24 10s; good, £-3 to £23 10s; fair to good fair, £31 10s to £22 10s; middling, £21 to £21 10s; common and ordinary, £18 10s to £19 10s. Supplies brought forward at auction since 15th ulto. have comprised only 2559 bales, of whioh fully 2000 bales have been placed, and amongst others the following marks, viz. :— Common and ordinary: SB, £18 15s; P, £19 15s; JPB, £19 6s to £19 10s; L,l7s. Middling to barely fair :'TE in triangle, £20 6s; Glen, £21 10s; 08/ a, £21 10s ; Stratford, £21 10s ; WMX, £20 ; Z, £20 55; Buck, £31; K&OoB, £21 15s; TSP, £2110s; Triangle, £21 ; HV, £21 ; Waverley, £21. Good to good and fine: O in diamond, £22 10s; WM, £23; Bell, £23 ; Am triangle, £23 ; AB J, £22 155. Fair to good fair: DT&00.,£22; Waverley. £22; FTB, £22 10s; JH, £21 15s to £22; M4V. £22 10s; ASVST, £21 10s; ASW, £21 ; WP, OAT, £32 ; PK, £23.