WEEKLY LIVE STOCK AND PRODUCE REPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1989, 7 April 1892, Page 21

WEEKLY LIVE STOCK AND PRODUCE REPORT.

Wednesday, April 6.

Fat Cattle. — A large supply came forward for this week's sale at Burnside, 308 head being yarded. About half were prime to^good quality, though only a few were heavy weights, the remainder ranged from medium to inferior. Gladbrook station was again to the fore with a draft of bullocks and heifers, which, although not the heaviest, were certainly the best quality yarded. The supply was in excess of butchers' requirements, and there was only a slack demand.^Prices showed a considerable decline on last week's values, more particularly on medium and inferior quality. Best bullocks sold at L 7 to L 8 7s 6d ; medium, L 5 10s to L 6 15s ; light, L 3 5s to L 4 15s' ; cows and heifers, L 3 to L 7 7s 6d.— Donald Reid and Co. yarded 55, and sold for Messrs Murray, Roberts, and Co. (GladbrookV 9 bullocks at L 8 2a 6d to L 6 12s (3d, 19 heifers at" L 7 7s 6d to L 5 ss ; for Messrs Wilson Bros. (Peninsula), 4 heifers at L32s6d to L2 l2s 6d ; for Mr W. Ross'(PortobeUo). 2 heifers at L 5 2s 6d ; for Mr M. Carmichael (Riverside), 7 heifers at L4 los ; for Messrs S. and W. M'Leod (Granton), 2 heifers at ,L 5 ss; for Mr D. Reid (Salisbury), 4 Heifers at L 6 17s 6d ; for Messrs Lee, O'Connell, and others, 8 cows and heifers at L 5 to-L2 15s. — Wright, Stepiienson, and Co. sold 81 head as follows :— For Messrs M'Leod Bros. (Granton), 14 bullocks at from L 8 7s fld to L 6 10s; for Mr Alexander Humphries (Southland), 13 bullocks at from L 8 to L 7 2s 6d; for Mr Robert Tapper (Southland), 7 bullocks at from L7 l7s -fid to LO 7s tid. ; for Mrs James Brown (East Taieri), 9 bullocks at from L 7 10s to L(i 2s 6d : for.Mr William Kirkland (Elmgrove), 5 bullocks at L 7 2s 6d-; for Mr John Hutton (Fortrose), 8 heifers at from L 6 to L 4 7s 6d ; for Messrs Knox Bros. (Green Island), 3 cows at L4 l7s 6d ; for Mr James Hewitt, 1 cow at L 4 15s ; for Mr James Reilly, 2 heifers at L 3 ss ; and for Messrs James Wright (BrooniJands), James Turner, William Hastie, and others, 17 cows at quotations.— John Guindley (on behalf of tho Farmers' Agency Company, Limited) yarded 51 head, and sold as follows :— For Mr W. A. Douglas (Hopehill), 14 bullocks at L5J5s to L6l7s 6d, 9 heifers from L 5 2s (id to Ls l2s (id ; for Mr R. Robinson, jun. (Berwick), 14 bullocks from L 5 12s b'd to L7 lss ; for Mr James Liddle (Taieri Beach), « bullocks from L 4 to L 4 17s (id, 3 heifeis at L 4 5s ; for Mr W. Lindsay (Grey town), 2 cows at L 5; for Mr A. Rutherford (Kaikorai), 3 cows (stores) at L 3. The Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited) sold : .For Mr Robert Gbarters (Ury Park), Mr William Lindsay (Grey town), Mr D. Sliller (Maungatua), Mr Alexander Campbell (South Dunedin), and others, bullocks to L 7 17s od and cows to L 5 10s ; also, privately during tho week, 60 bullocks at current rates.— Stronach Bros, and Morkis yarded 38head, and sold bullocks for various clients at LB. L 5 10s, L 5, Lsss. L 5, L4 l2s 6d, and L 3 15s, and heifers L 5 and L 2 2s 6d.— The Mutual Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited) sold 69 head as under :— For Mr A. M'Donald (Clarke's), 4 bullocks at L 7 10s, 3 at L 7, 3 at Lfi 10s, 2 at L 5 12s 6d, 3 at Ls los, 4 at L 4 15s, 3at L4 los, 4 heifers at L 4 10s ; for Mr S. Hinkley (Peninsula), 1 cow at L 5 ss, 2 cows passed ; for Mr James Harrison (Strath -Taieri), 3 bullocks at L 6, 3at Ls l7s 6d, 3 head (light weights) at L 4 2s 6d, 3 heifers at 1-■ Is 6d, 3atL3 7s >jd ; for Mr William Kirkland (Elmgrove), 2 cows at L 4 ss, 2 at L 3 12s 6d ; for Mr It. Bray (Waikouaiti), 1 cow at L 6, 1 bullock at L 7, satLß 7s Gd ; for Mr Waldie, 1 cow at L 4 ss ; for Messrs Dick and Fergusson and D. Weir (Sandymount), 11 head (light weights) at quotations. Fat Sheep.— 269l were penned to-day, of which about 550 were merinos. Only a small proportion were wethers, but nearly all were good quality. The ewes forward ranged from prime to medium. The demand was slack throughout the sale, and prices showed a decline of Is to Is 6d on last week's prices. Best crossbred wethers sold at 153 to 16s : medium, 12s 9d to 14s ; best crossbred ewes, 13s 6'd to 15s ; ordinary, 10s 9d to 12s 3d ; merino, (is 3d to 12s 9d.— Donald Reid and Co. yarded 2GO, and sold : For Mr J. P. M'lntyre (Thornbury), 56 crossbred ewes at 16s to 14s 3d ;>for Mr D. Borrio (Papakaio), 64 crossbred ewes at 12s 3d to lls 3d ; for Mr W. L. Jack (Palmerston), 25 merino ewes at 6s 3d ; for Mr D. Gunn (Peninsula), 2 crossbred ewes at 14s 6d ; for Mr John Johnston (Kailiiku), 56 prime merino wethers at 12s 9d to lls (id : for Mr L. D. Robertson (Sandymount), 53 crossbred wethers at 14s 3d to 13s 9d, 4 merino ewes at 7s 3d. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. 501d. 305 as follows :— For Mr George Elliott (Lovell's Flat), 40 very prime halfbred wethers at 15s 9d, and 19 do do at 14s 9d ; for New Zealand and Australian Land Company, Limited "(Clydevale Estate), 78 crossbred ewes at from 15s to 12s ; for Mr John Douglas (Waihao Downs Estate), 126 prime crossbred ewes at from _14s b'd >tp lid (Jd ; for Mr James Wylie (West Taieri), 35 crossbred ewes 'at 14s (kl ; for Mr David Ross (Meado\t>bank), (50 crossbred wethers at 13s to 13s 3d ; a.nd • for Mr Donald Borrie (Papakaio), 64 crossbred ewes at 12s 6d to 10s 9d. — The Farmers' Agency Company penned 1402, and sold : — For Messrs. James Smith and Sons, 113 crossbred ewes at 12s 6d, 85 halfbred do at lls, 228 merino wethers 9s 9d to 10s 6d ; for Mr D. Borrie (Papakaio), 64 crossbred ewes at lls 3d ; for Mr James Logan (Kelso), 256 halfbred ewes at 13s to 13s 3d; for Mr James Sutherland (Purakanui), 129 crossbred %yethers at 13s, 208 crossbred ewes at lls 6d, 102 halfbred mixed at lls; for Mr Donald M'Donald (North-East Valley), 64 crossbred ewes at 12s 9d, 28 do do at 12s 3d; for Mr A. Douglas (Hopeliill), 94 crossbred wethers at 13s, 33 halfbred do at 12s.— New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited) sold for a southern client U2 crossbred wethers and maiden ewes at 16s (top Erice. and purchased by Mr E. F. Lawrence, reorge street),- 21 do at 13sJ)d;fora northern client, 22 mixed crossbreds at 13s 9d, 22 do at 12s 9d, 22 do at lls 9d, 20 half breds at 12s, and 13 merino wethers at 12s ; for Mr John Nyhon (Piminsula), one pen crossbred ewes (light), at 10s (id. — Stronach Brothers, and Morris sold a small draft of halfbred wethers and maiden ewes at 1-Js to 13s. — The Mutual Agency Compam* of Nicw Zealand (Limited) yarded and '.Ukho.<-c<l of 5(52 as follows :— For Mr M'Master (Wuihola). V,O halfbred wethers at 13s 3d; for Mr Jolni'ircn-lercon (Bulyondale), 30 crossbred ewes ablfc, ."1 :-.t Y.k, 30 at 12s 9d, 38 at 12s ; for Messrs Dickson f'.r.ithers (Belmont), 33 mixed crossbreds at J4s (jil, 2(1 at 13s 6d ; for Mr R. Wilson (Romania estate), 40 mixed crossbreds at 13s 3d, 60 at ]3s 3d, balm km of tho line passed; for Mr R. Law (Kast T.deri), 31 merinos (light) at 5s 6d.

Fat Lambs. — Only 221 penned, mo™ of which were of medium quality, only one pen being prime. There was keen competition for every T'"», and satisfactory prices were realised. Bei-t sold at 10s to 12s; medium, 7s 3d to 9s <;d.— Donald Jlnin an» Co. yarded and sold for Mr W. J. Jack (I'.ilmereton), 21 at 10s.— Wright, Stepjienson, and Co. sold for Brooksdale estate (Tapanui), 140 at from 12s to 10s 6d ; and for New Zealand and Australian Land Company (Olydevnlo e*(:itc>\ 51 at from 10s 6d to 9s.— The Mutual Akkncv Oompany of New Zealand (Limited) aoldfor Mr \V\ R. Matson 15 at 9s, and for Mr It. Law b' at iv 3d. The New Zealand Loan and Mjmicamilk Agency Company (Limited) sold for Mr John Nyhon (Peninsula), lpen nice quality bin, mi>all at 7s 3d.— Stronach Bros, and- Monies soiii 17 lambs at 11s 6d and s at 12s- 3d.— Tin-; I'akmius' Agency Company sold a draft for Mr Donald M'Donald (North-Eaat Valley) at 12s 6d.

Pigs.— lßß penned, for which there wns only moderate competition, porkers nni Iksi'oih r ; f"l r'hing rather better prices than last w< d*. other sorts showed no improvement.' Suckers sold at 5s 6d to 11s ; slips, 12s to 14s ; stows, IPs to 17s ; porkers, 22s to 255; baconeiis, 33s l-j 41.--T:.)>. \m> Reid and Co. yarded and . oM: l^v r.li- I). Andrew, run. (The Grange), 10 nt 1 is (M to ]3s ; for Mr Robert Wingfield (Hillbide), 4 at 15,3.—

Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold 54 at quotations.—The Mutual Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited) sold 127 as follows :— For the Waimate Estate, 6 prime bacon pigs at 41s, 6 at 395, sat 39s } 4at 355, 4at 335 ; for other owners, 5 bacon pigs at 335, 7 at 30s 6d, 8 at 295, 5 at 275, 2 at 255, 11 slips at 15s, 7 at lls, 12 at lls, 14 at 9s 6d, 21 at 7s <sd, 12 at 5s 6d.— Stronach Brothers and Morris sold baconers at 395.

Store Sheep.— Wright, Stephenson, and Co. have sold during the week 14,500 as follows:— 6000 full-mouthed merino ewes, 1200 six-tooth do do, 1000 eight-tooth do wethers, 1500 eighttooth halfbred ewes, 1500 six and eight-tooth crossbred do. 3000 crossbred lambs, aud 300 fourtooth maiden merino ewes.— Privately during the week The Mutual Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited) have sold 1250 merino ewes, 150 Romney do, 134 merino wethers, 294 crossbred lambs, 300 do ewes, 200 merinos, which together with the sheep sold at auction makes a total clearance for the week of 16,865 sheep.— Stronach Bros. and-Morris sold 260 crossbred cull wethers at 12s 6d, 170 do do ewes at 9s 6d.— The Farmers' Agency Company report having sold during the week 3500 crossbreds and merinos at satisfactory prices.

Country Sales.— Donald Reid and Co. report as follows:— We held a clearing sale of crossbred and merino sheep, horses and station sundries, at Singer's farm, Hindon, on Friday, the Ist April instant. There was a large attendance of graziers, farmers, and stock dealers, and brisk competition for every lot offered ; crossbred and merino sheep, both ewes and wethers, were in special demand. Crossbred owe 3 sold at Us 5d to lls 7d ; do wethers, 12s Id ;do lambs, 6s 9d to 9s Id ; merino ewes, aged, 5s 9d to 5s lid ; rams, to ljg ; horses, sundries, &c. all realising very satisfactory prices. We direct attention to our clearing sale to be held on account of Mr John Muir, at his leasehold farm at Dunira, North Taieri, when we will offer the whole of his stock of sheep, horses, &c. As Mr Muir's lease expires on the 30th instant, everything will be offered for unreserved sale. We also direct attention to our usual fortnightly sale to be held at the Taieri Yards, Greytown Bridge, on Tuesday, the 12th instant, when we will offer horses, cattle, sheep, &c. .Parties sending stock are requested to send particulars in time to be advertised. — On Friday, Ist inst., the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Comfany(Limited) held their regular auction salo at Balclutha, when there was a large attendance of buyers and others interested, who displayed a keen desire to operate. Competition was spirited, every lot offered being disposed of under the hammer as follows— via. : 400 crossbred ewes (not fat) at 12s 9d to 15s lOd, 300 do do at 12s 9d, 650 do do at lls 9d, 150 do do at Us Cd, 350 do do (aged, small, and in low condition) at ss, 600 crossbred wethers at 13s, 300 do at 12s, and 500 crossbred lambs to 7s 6d. — Scronach Bros, and Morris report having held a very successful sale at Wyndhatu yards on Thursday, 31st ult., when they disposed of 800 Romney cross full-mouth ewes at 12s 6d, 90 crossbred ewes at 13s sd, 112 do lambs at 10s 6d, 381 do cull lambs at 6s 2d, 314 do do ewes at 8s 9d, 99 cull merino wethers at 2s Id. — The Mutual Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited) report as follows : — On Thursday, March 31, in conjunction with the National Mortgage and Agency Company, Oamaru, acting under instructions from Messrs A. A. and R. M 'Master, we submitted to auction the well-known Tokorahi flack of merinos, representing about 10,000 sheep. This was due to the owners giving up a lot of their hill country, and as the sale was recognised as that of a bonafide clearance great interest was centred in the proceedings. A special train which left Oamaru at 8 o'clock brought a large concourse of people, and these, together with others which arrived from other directions, numbered nearly 400 persons at the ' commencement of the auction. The Tokorahi merinos have long held the reputation of being one of the best flocks in Otago, this being borne out # by " the success which the owners have achieved in the show ring and their exceptionally heavy clips of wool. The appearance of the sheep on inspection fully justified the favourable opinion in which they had been held, possessing as they did plenty of size and condition, and an abundance of wool. That these points were duly appreciated ia proved by the result of the sale. A substantial luncheon having been partaken of, business was commenced about 12 o'clock. Competition for the various lots was remarkably keen throughout, and it is almost needless to say that every lot was sold ; in fact, it was probably the ruost successful sale of merino sheep held in Otago for years, as not only were prices eminently satisfactory, but the proceedings passed off without a hitch of any kind from first to last. Subjoined is the result of the sale :— 1346 four and five-year-old ewes sold at 6s lid to 7s, 818 .two-tooth ewes at 8s Bd, 847 six-tooth wethers at Bs, 644 two-tooth wethers at 7s 6d, 994 four-tooth wethers at 7s- 6d, 2196 full-mouth wethers at 7s 6d and 7s 9d, 707 cull wethers at 4s 3d, 370 lambs at 7s sd, 794 lambs at 6s, 251 fat wethers at 9g 6d, 200 stud ewes at 15s, 310 flockand ,stud rams at satisfactory prices, and 204 fat halfbred wethers at 14s 9d ; also, for another owner, 600 aged merino ewe 3at 5s 6d— total sale, 10,255 sheep. Milton sale.— On Thursday, March 31, we held our usual fortnightly sale at Mr Coombe's Yardß, Milton, a full supply of stock coming forward, as also a large attendance of buyers. There was agaiu a good demand, a total of 10G6 sheep and a few head of cattle changing hands during the day. For Mr C. J. Crawford (from the Roxburgh estate),- we sold 40S Romney cross ewes at 12s' 2d, 72 at lls Id, aud for various owners 209 full-mouth ewes at 10s Id, 96 lambs 1 at 7s Bd, 124 at 7s 6d, 38 at.lOs lOd and 12s 9d,' 46 two-tooth ewes at 13s 3d, 61 cull crossbreds at 6s, and 41 merinos at 4s 6d. Balclutha Sale. — To 1 meet the requirements of owners having stud sheep for disposal, we held a special sale at Balclutha on Friday, April Ist. the entry submitted beiug a large one. In addition to the ordinary classes of sheep about 100 rams and the same number of stud ewes wore penned, most of the former selling at prices equal to those obtained at the fair in Dunedin ; and we may add that the Leicester ewes also sold particularly well. Biddings were brisk throughout, some 2200 sheep finding fresh owners during the day. In stud 6heep we sold 3 Romney rams at -ligs, 8 at 4Jgs, 4 at 3}gs, 4 at 2gs, 4 at 3Jks, 3 Leiceaters at 2tes, 4 at 2Jgs, 3 at 3gs, 2at ligs, 3 at ligs, the balance {including some Downs) at lower rates. 53 Leicester ewes brought 295, 51 27s fad. The general entry of store sheep sold as under :— 6O crossbred ewes at 12s Sd, 61 at 12s 3d, 141 lambs at iOs Id, 68 mixed crossbreds at 13s 4d and 13s sd, 07 crossbred wethers at 13s 2d, 157 halfbred wethers at 10s 7d, 150 crossbred ewes at lls lid, 103 halfbred wethers at lls and lls 3d, 38 ewes at 12s lid, 74 cull ewes at 7s, 762 crossbred wethers at 12s 6d, 200 halfbred wethers at 10s. Palmerston Sale.— On Tuesday April sth, we held our usual monthly salo at the Pahuevston yards for which 1016 sheep, 5S head of cattle, about 20 rams, a'iid a few pig* were yarded. One .small Hue of sheep and about .10 head of cattle were withdrawn— the remainder selling at satisfastory prices. The following are Rales effected :— 2 . lambs at 8s 2d, 20 crossbred withers at 12s sd, X lB merino ewes at 6s 9d, 60 lambs at 10s, 55 at 8s 4d, 25 at 8s 4d, 12 stud ewes at 18s, 216 cull merino ewes at quotations, 49Jmixed cimshreds at 12s 2d, 30 half breds at 8s 9d, 30 lambs at 9s sd, 26 mixed erossbreds at 10s lid, 40 lambs at (is <U, 3 rams at 2?s, 15 rains at 2)gs, US mixed r/uarter-breds at 7s 6 1, 127 cull 'merinos at quotations. Cattle at prices fully equal to town rates. Sale of Dairy Btock.— On Monday, April 4, at Halfway Bush, we submitted to auction, on account of Messrs Early and Sons, about 40 dairy cows— a portion of which were in milk, and others near calving. The sale was a satisfactory one in every way, each lot offered being sold at prices which must have been pleasing to the vendors. The best cows in the dairy brought— Ls, L 5 10s, L,6. to L 6 17s 6d. others proportionate rates

Wool. — The tenor of recent cablegrams from London regarding the sales now in progress are more assuring, and although no actual advance is recorded, they denote a firmer tone since theopening. Up to the 3rd inst. 07,600 bale 3 were catalogued, of which 62,200 bales wore sold. Buyers are active. Urossbreds of all qualities are in demand, and it will be gratifying to observe that xncriuui aro believed to have reached their lowest. Sheepskins. — 'lhe demand for those continues good ; both dry and green are in good request. On Tuesday, the regular weekly sale day, there was a very full attendance of buyers, spirited competition being experienced for all the lots on the catalogue. The whole were cleared at prices quite equal to those obtaining lately. Green crossbreds ttiid lambskins continue to receive the best atten-

tion, very full prices being paid for all well saved lots, fresh, and free from cuts. Country dry crossbreds, inferior to medium, brought Is 10a to 3s 9d ; do do merino, Is 8d to 2s lOd ; full woolled crossbreds, 4s 8d to 5s lid ; do merino, 3s to 5s 3d ; dry pelts, 2d to Is 7d ; best green crossbred pelts. 2s 3d to 2s 8d ; selected, 2s 9d to 3s ; medium to good. Is lOd to 2s 2d ; green merino pelts, Is 4d to Is 9d ; green lambskins— best, 2s 5d to 2s lOd ; medium to good, lslOd to 2s 4d each Rabbitskins — Owing to the supply being always at this season of the year short, the business done in consequence is not of very much importance. On Monday all the consignments to hand were submitted to auction, when all the buyers were present. Competition was spirited up to levels comparing favourably with prices obtained at Home, as shown by recent account sales to hand. Summer and autumn skins brought 5d to 7id ; suckers and half -grown, l§d to 4d per lb. Hides.— The market is fully supplied with light hides, which are difficult to place except at prices that are considered low by vendors, yet sufficiently high to prevent shippers operating. Heavy hides continue scarce, and when available fetch much more satisfactory prices compared with those obtaining for the former. Quotations: For heavy, 2id to 2Jd ; extra do (651b and over), 2Jd to 3d ; average prices for country hides, lid to 2d ; light, lid to lid ; inferior and slippy, 4d to Id per lb. Tallow.— There is no change to note; prices remain the same as last week. A fair demand exists. Consignments coming forward are placed immediately on arrival, chiefly for local consumption. Quotations : For best rendered mutton, 19s 6d to 20s ; medium to good, 16s to 18s 6d ; inferior to medium, 13s 6d to 15s ; best caul fat, 12s 6d to 13s ; inferior to medium and good, 9s to 12s per cwt.

t Grain. — Wheat : Business in this cereal continues dull. Arrivals are now assuming large proportions. The quality, however, as a rule, is not equal to last season's grain, and will require to mature to some extent before sales can be made. There is a good inquiry for really prime samples fit for immediate use, but there is very little of this quality offering ; and for soft and sprouted samples, which are rather plentiful, there is very little sale, and with very few exceptions consignments of this class have to be taken into store, pending brisker inquiry. Fowls' wheat is very plentiful, and meets with slow sale at quotations. We quote : — Prime milling, 4s Id to 4s 3d ; medium do, 3s lOd to 4s ; inferior do, 3s 6d to 3s i)d ; fowls' wheat, 2s to 3s. Oats : Arrivals of these continue small, and their quality disappointing. There is a good inquiry for bright Sutherlands, sparrqwbills, and long- oats at quotations, while inferior and discoloured are dull of sale. We quote :— Bright long oats, Is 6d to Is 8d (sack extra) ; do Sutherlands, Is 6d to Is 6}d do ; do sparrowbills, Is 5d to Is sid do ; discoloured feed, Is 3d to Is 4Jd. Barley : A few lines have been placed during the week at for — Malting, 2s lOd to 3s 4d ; milling, 2s 3d to 2s 6d. Potatoes.— The market is glutted, and in the absence of demand, a number of consignments had to be taken into store, and are being quitted as opportunity offers at for prime, LI 17s 6d to L 2 2s tid, inferior LI 10s to LI 15s. Grass Seeds. — The demand for ryegrass seed has fallen off almost to nothing, and no business of any consequence passing. Quotations : For farmers' dressed. Is Od to 2s 3d ; extra clean, 2s 9d to 3s ; machine-dressed, 3s 3d to 3s 9d (ex store, sacks extva).— Cocksfoot seed continues dull. Best dressed, 3Jd to 4Jd ; medium, 2d to 3d per lb. Chaff. — The supply this week has been in excess of requirements, resulting in a fall in price, which is not likely to be recovered this season again. At auction on Monday 55s was top price for good sheaf and well cut, and smutty and inferior sold at 21s to 35s per ton. Dairy Produce.— The tone of the market is firm, but there is no advance in prices since last week, which were, for factory-made cheese, medium size, 4Jd to 4Jd ; loaf shape, 4id to 4Jd ; dairymade, 3d to 4d per lb. Prime salt butter, dairymade, 7Jd to Bid ; factory, 10id to lid per lb. Flax. — It is somewhat unsatisfactory to find the Home market continuing the downward tendency lately advised, which is now having a very material effect on values in the local market. Sales effected now are at a considerable reduction on prices lately quoted, and buyers indifferent. Quotations now are— for inferior, Ll2 10s to Ll3 ; medium, Ll3 los to Ll4 10s ; good, Lls los to Ll6 10s — really prime a shade more pel* ton.