OOMMERCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2928, 27 April 1910, Page 40

OOMMERCIAL.

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS. SYDNEY, April 21. Wheat: Buyers. 3s lid to 3s Hid; sellers want Id more. Flour, £lO ss. Oats: Algerians (feeding), 2® Id to 2s 2d; seedin"- 2s 4d to 2s sd; Tasmanians, 2s 6d. Barley: Cape. 3s to 3s 2d. Maize: Prime, £3. Bran, £4 16s. Pollard, £4 10a. Potatoes: Tasmanian, £5 10s. Onions, £4. Butter, 102 s Cheese, £)M Bacon, Bd. MELBOURNE, April 21. Wheat, £4. Flour, £9 10s. Oats: Algerian, 2s 2d to 2s 3*d; seeding, 2s 6d. Barley: Malting—English, 4s 4d; Cape, 2s 8d Bran, £5 ss. to £3 10s. Onions, £2 15s. ADELAIDE, April 21. Wheat, 3s lid to 4s. Flour, £9 10s. Bran and nollard, Is 2d-. Oats: Algerian, 2s to 2s Id..

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET. CHRISTCHURCH, April 20. There was again a large entry of stock, though not so large as those of late, and the attendance was good. Store wethers and ewes sold about the same as the previous week, but lambs were easier. Fat lambs were firmer by about 6d per head. Fat cattle showed practically no change in values. Fat wethers and fat ewes were in good demand at late rates, and inferior ewes were rather easier. There was a good sale for store and dairy cattle, and pigs. The yarding of store sheep was not equal in numbers to those of recent sales, and the quality was again of a mixed description. It was composed chiefly of ewes and lambs of fair and medium quality. There was a short supply of young ewes, forward lambs and good wethers. Many lots were travel-stained and in low eondition. There was a good demand, and wethers and ewes sold well up to last, week's rates, but lambs did not sell up to their late values except in odd cases. Wethers made 12s to 15s 3d; breeding ewes, 10s to 13s lid; aged and low-conditioned sorts, 4s 4d to 9s 6d; merino ewes, 4s to 8s Id; lambs, 6s lid to lis 6d. The entry of fat lambs was smaller than last week, the total being 8800, and there were a number of pens that were unfinished, and ultimately were purchased to go on rape. The quality of the better class was good, and, as competition was keen among the export buyers, prices firmed on an average about 6d per head, all lots changing hands at auction. A few pens of show lambs from North Canterbury made 17s 7d to 18s Bd. Tegs brought 15s 6d to 17s; ordinary freezing weights, 12s 6d to 15s; light and unfinished, 10s to 12s. There was another large yarding of fat sheep, the major portion of which was ewes. There was a good demand for wethers, for the better class of ewes for export, and these fully maintained the previous rates. For older and not so well finished ewes there was not such a good sale, and prices for these were rather easier. The range of "prices was: Prime wethers, 16s to 19s lid; others, 14s 9d to 15s 9d; prime ewes, 13s to 17s 4d; others, 9s 6d to 12s 6d; merino ewes, 7s to 8s 3d'. There were 284 head of fat cattle penned, including a large draft of station cattle from North Canterbury, and the quality of the yarding was up to the usual standard. There was a fair demand, and prices were unchanged till towards the close of the sale, when the competition became weaker. Steers made £7 to £10; extra, to £ll 15s; heifers, £5 2s 6d to £8; and oows, £4 17s 6d to £7 ss—equal to 18s to 22s per 1001 b, according to quality. Veal calves formed an average entry, and sold at 4s 6d to 545. There was a small yarding of store cattle, and it included several lines of good 15 to 18-months' sorts and yearlings. There was a fair demand, and late rates were maintained. Yearlings made 20s to 38s; 15 to 18 months, 35s to 495: two-year-old steers, £3 2s 6d; three-year-old do, £5 15s; extra, to £7 3s; three-year-old heifers, £3 5s to £4; dry cows, £1 10s to £3 10s. Dairy cows brought £3 10s to £8 ss; extra, to £lO. There was an average entry of pigs. There was a fair demand for choppers and baooners, but porkers were a little easier. Stores showed some improvement. Choppers sold to 60s; heavy baooners. 42s 6d to 48s; extra, to 545; lighter, 35s to 40s—equal to 3ld to 4d per lb; large porkers, 31s to 345; lighter, 28s to 30s—equal to 4d to per lb; large stores, 22s to 265: medium, 16s to 21s; small, 12s to 15s; weaners, 5s to Bs. '

LIVE STOCK AND PRODUCE MARKET. Burnside, Wednesday, April 20. Fat Cattle.— 2l2 yarded, the quality being above the usual. The demand was fair, but prices, on 1 account of the over-supply, were easier. Best bullocks, £9 5s to £lO ss, extra £11; medium do, £8 to £8 10s; inferior do, £6 15s to £7 10s; best stores and heifers, £6 10s to £7 ss, extra £9 _7s 6d; medium do, £5 5a to £5 15s; inferior do x £4- 5s to £4 15s. Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.) yarded 41, and sold: For Mr Wm. Kirk

i (Mavfield), 5 prime bullocks to £lO 10s; 1 Mr W. J. Hall (Mataura), 8 prim© bullock? to £lO 7s 6d; Mr M. Young (Patearoa), 14 prime heifers to £9 7s 6d (top price for heifers): Mr J. Wilson (Lauder), 8 heifers to £6 15s; Mr J. Kirk (MoSffiel), heifers to ! £4- ss. Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.) i yarded 42. a.nd sold: For Mr Alexander M'Leod (Mosgiel), 3 bullocks at £8 12s 6d; Mr James Renton, jun. (Moegiel), 3 heifers at £5 17s 6d; Mr Win. Kirk (Mosgiel), 3 bullocks at £lO ss; a client, 5 heifers at (flotations; Mr R. D. Wilson (Berwick), 2 bullocks at £6 ss, 3 heifers at £6 5s to £4 7s 6d- Mr T. W. Daunt (Balclutha), 1 heifer at £6; Mr Walter Blackie (Glasgow Farm), 5 bullocks at £7 17s 6d to £7 ss; Mr Wm. Lindsay (Allantorr), 12 bullocks at £8 53 to £6 15s, 5 heifers at £6 15s to £5 2s 6d. The N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. (Ltd.) yarded, and sold: For Mr Wm. Kirk (Mayfieid), 3 bullocks at £3 7s 6d ; Mr Walter Blackie (Glasgow Farm), 3 bullocks at £7 12s 6d ; a client, 6 bullocks at £8 17s 6d. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.) sold: For Messrs W. and N. Reid (Outram), 2 bullocks at £lO ss, 3 do at £9 15s, 3 do at £8 12s 6d, 2 do at £6 10s; a client, 8 steers to £7; Mr J. Ferguson (Wocdside), 1 bullock £6 7s 6d; Mr A. Mcore (Kaikorai), 1 cow £5 17s 6d; Mr W. Blackie (Mosgiel), 1 heifer at £4 12s 6d. T'no National Mortgage and Agency Co. (Ltd.) yarded 33 head and sold : For Mr Wm. Kirk, 2 bullocks at £6 17s 6d, 1 heifer at £7 17s 6d ; W. and N. Reid (Outram), 1 bullock at £8 10s, 2 heifers at £7 15s; southern client, 16 bullocks to £9; Mr W. Millig'an, 2 heifers to £7 5s ; Mr Jno. Kirk, 2 heifers to £8 2s 6d; Mr Jno. Stanaway, 5 steers to £6; Mr H. Thomson, 2 heifers to £6 10s. Stromach, Morris, and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Proprietors Retreat Station, 6 bullocks at up to £ll (top price bo-day); Mr W. Kirk (Mcsgiel),, 2 bullocks at £8 12s 6d; Messrs Murray, Roberts, and Co. (Gladbrook), 2 heifers at £7 7e 6d, 2 do at £7 2s 6d, 4 do at £6 15s; a cheat, 2 bullocks at £8 12s 6d; Mr John Kirk (Modioli, 1 heifer at, £6 Zs, 6d, 1 do at £4 17s 6d. The Otago Farmers' Cooperative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) yardod 45, and sold: For Mr W. J. J. Charters (Ory Park, Mosgiel), 10 bulocks to £9 17s 6d; Mr William Kirkland (Elm Grove, East Taieri), 8 bullocks to *9, 4 heifere to £6; Mr James Renton (Mosgiel), 5 bullocks at £8 10s; Mr John Kirk (Mosgiel), 3 heifers at £4 2s 6d • Messrs G. and J. M'Leod (Outram), and other vendors, bullocks to £9 12s 6d. Store Cattle.—Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.) sold: For Mr J. Bain (Halfway Bush) and Mr P. Sullivan (Pine Hill), stores to £3 10s. Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.), yarded 45, and sold: For Messrs Thomas Daunt (Balclutha) S Goodsir (Saddle Hill), J and C. Campbell (Allanton), H. M'Gregor (Hampden). Thomas Sinclair (Balclutha), William Kirk (Mosgiel), A. J. Betting (Mornington), James Stewart (East Taieri), W. Midligan (Balclutha), A. Aitcheson (Hampden), W. Townley (Highcliff), R. Cameron (Hampden), and J. H. Patrick (Tomahawk), bulls to £7 ; cows to £4 ss, heifers to £4, yearling's to £2 2s. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.), „sold: For Messrs J. Farquharson (Signal Hill), a southern client, and others, 20 head at full market rates. The National Mortgage and Agency Company (Ltd.), yardod and gold: For Mr Mulligan and others, heifer to £3 10s, cows to £3 17s fid. bulls to £5 10s.-- —Stronach, Morris, and Co. (Ltd.) yarded'and sold: For Mr W. Milligan (Balclutha), five cows from £2 12s to £3 3i 6d, seven do at £2, one bull at £l. ■ The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) yarded 41, and sold: For Messrs Otto Sasse (Abbotsford), G. arm J. M Locd (Brighton). John Kirk (Mosgiel), Peter Law (Gimmerburn), John Winter (Upper Junction), M. Davis (Sandymount), William Townley (Highcliff), and clients, bulls to £7 6s, cows to £5 3s, heifers and steer's to £4 Is. Dairy Cows. —Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.) yarded IC, and sold: For Messrs A. Aitcheson (Hampden), W. Townley (Highcliff), W. Lindsay (Allanton), Morton Bros. (Mount Cargill), Young Bros. (Sandymount), and J. H. Patrick (Tomahawk), cows and heifers from £1 to £4 10s. The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.), yardod 13, and sold: For Messrs G. and J. M'Leod (Brighton), John Winter (Upper Junction), John Kirk (Mosgiel), Otto Basse (Abbotsford), M. Davis (Sandymount), A. Edgar (Green Island), T. Maxwell (Dunedin), T. Lynn (Portobello). Walter Blackie (East Taieri), and clients, cows to £7 12s 6d, heifers to £6 2s 6d. Calves. —Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.), sold: For Mr P. Sullivan (Pine Hill), calves to 19s. Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.), varded and sold: For Messrs R. D. Wilson, H. M'Grsgor, and others, calves from 4ls to 25s. —-The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.), penned and sold: For Messrs Peter Law (Gimmerburn); F. Cuff (Brighton), James Crawford (Green Island), Mis E. Laverty (Caversham), and clients, calves from 12s to £1 13s. Fat Sheep.—A medium yarding of 1951. Prices for well-finished sheep showed a fair rise, but medium sorts were the same as last week, while inferior ewes were very dull of sale. The quality of the yarding was very poor. Best wethers, 17s to 18s: extra, to 24s 6d; medium wethers, 14s 6d to 15s 6d; inferior do, 12s 6d to 13s 3d; best ewes, 12s to 13s; extra, 18s 6d; medium do, 9s to 10s; inferior do, 5s to 7s. Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.) yarded 586, and sold: For Mr A. North (Aburiri Flat), 4 pens ewes to 17s 6d; Mr A. J. A. Hall (Clinton), 3 pens ewes to 18s 6d; Mr T. Flannery (Matakanui), wethers to 17s 6d, ewes to 10s 9d; Messrs Philip Bros (Dunbaok), wethers to 15s 9d; Mr J. Donaldson (Roxburgh), wethers to lis 9d; Messrs LeCren Brothers (Kar-tigi), ewes at 18s 6d ; Mr J. Dungcy (Hillgrove), ewes at 9s; Mr D. Clark (Moneyrnore). ewes at quotations ; clients. 3 pens to 10s 6d. Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.) penned 372. and sold: For Mr Alexander Wiselv (Milton), 46 wethers at 16s 3d to 14s. 11 ewes at 13s; Mr D. Nicolson (Glen Ida). 65 ewes at 12s 6d to lis; Mr E. Clouston (Omakau), 55 ewes at 8s 6d to ss; a .client. 65 ewes at 7s 6d to 6s 6d; Mr James Forsyth (Milburn). 22 wethers at 13s 6d, 23 ewes at 7s : Mr William Grant (Clairinch), 33 ewes at 12s; Messrs Williamson Bros. (Bentasken), 12 owes at 12s; Mr Walter Bkekie (Glasgow Farm), 20 ewes at lis 9d. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Comnanv (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr J. F. Mitchell (Stirling), 60 wethers to 19s; Mr H. Palmer (Otokia). 66 wethers to 16s; Mr John Henderson (Oamaru). 60 ewes to 14s 9d; Mr Walter Blackie (Glasgow Farm), 1 pen ewes at lis 9d. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.) sold: For Mr D. Barton (Holmesbank), 100 wethers to 19e: Mr D. Grace (Millbank). 80 wethers at 19s; Mr T. Passmore (Lakeview), 118 wethers

'at 17s to 16s; Mr T. Johnston (Wangaloa), [ 65 ewes from lis 3d to 10s 3d; Mr Wm. Mathewson (Kokonga), ewes at quotations. The National Mortgage and Agency Company (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For the Now Zealand and Australian Land Company, 20 ewes at 16s 3d, 16 do at 15s, 18 at 13s 3d; Messrs Quinn and Rodger, (as agents), 1 pen wethers at 18a 6d, 2 pens ewes at quotations. - Stronach, Morris, and Co. Ltd.) penned! 200 and sold: For a client, 1 pen wethers at 24s 6d (top price to-day), 43 do at 15p 9d, 15 do at 15s 3d; Mr Robert Horrors (Te Ari), 45 wethers at 16s 3d, 10 do_ at 14s 3d, 6 do at quotations; Mr William* Merry (Brockville), 66 wethers and ewes _to 14s. The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) penned 440, and sold: For Mr William Kirkland (Poplar Grove, Middlemareh), 66 wethers to 15s 6d; Mr J. P. MTntyre (Hopetoun, Gore), 1 pen wethers- to 21s, 34- ewes to 15s) 9d; Mr A. B. Hall (Waipiata). 68 ewes to. 12s 9d; Mr William Grant Outram), 27 ewes at 9s 3d: Messrs G. and! J. M'Leod (Brighton), 232 ewee to 9s 3d. Fat Lambs.—666 yarded, prices being a. shade easier. Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.). sold: For Mr James Wright (Stirling},; lambs to . 12s 9d. —-Donald Reid and Co.. (Ltd.) penned 202, and sold: For Mr Welter Blackie (Glasgow Farm), 60 at 13s 9d to 133; Mr James Forsyth (Milburn), 35 at 12s; Mr E. Clouston (Omakau), 84 at 9d to 10s 9d; a client, 2 at 12s &t; fe Walter Blackie, jun. (Waieti), 18 at 9s 6d; Miss L.. Leishman (Whare Flat,) 3 at 16s 3d. ——The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. (Ltd.) sold: For Mr Walter Blackie (Glasgow Farm), 2 pens lambs to 13s. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.) sold: For Mr Walter Mathew-: son (Kokonga), 51 lambs at 13s. Tha National Mortgage and Agency Company (Ltd.) sold: For Mr Blackie, 33 at 12s 9d.—The Otago Far'-* mere' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) penned 200, and sold: For Mil J. P. M'lntyre (Hopetoun, Gore), 16 to 14s; Messrs Williamson Bros. (Wyllies' Crossing), 45 at 13s 9d; Messrs G. and J* M'Leod (Brighton), 138 lambs bo lie. Pigs —l2O penned. Prices were much the. same as last week. Donald Reid and Co.' (Ltd.) yarded 48, and sold: For Mr John Doogue (Warrington), 8 at 55s to 44s 6d; Mr James Bitles (Allanton), 3 at 50s to 48s; ' Mr J. Middleditch (Sawyers' Bay), 4 at 34s to 27s 6d; Mr W. Lindsay (Allanton), 4at 45s to 40s; Mr R. Cullen (Allanton), 2 at 18s 6d; Mr J. L. Clarke (Leith Valley), 2 at 245; Mr S. Goodson (Saddle Hill), 4 at 19s 6d; Mr R. Cullen (Allanton), 2 at 25s 6d; Mr W. Adam (Otokia), 6 at 9s to 7s 6d; Mr W. G. Brown (Leith Valley), 4 at 32s to 31s; Mr R. Brown (North-Easb Valley), 1 at 40s; Mr J. Stevenson, 3 at 255, 2 at' 26s 6d; Mr J. Elliott (Highcliff), 1 at £2 10s, 2 at 335. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.) sold: For Messrs D., Poland, H. Fulton, W. Harvey (Woodside), and others, 21 pigs at up to £1 14s. The National Mortgage and Agency Company, (Ltd.) sold: For Mr Alex. Brown (Abbotsford), 3 at 38s; Mr J. L. Clark, 1 pen at 295. Stronach, Morris, and Co. (Ltd.)? yarded and sold: For Mr A. Wickland* (Henley), 1 porker at 375; Messrs Kirkland and Moynihan, 10 suckers to 7sv The Ota.go Farmers' Co-operative As« sociation of New Zealand (Ltd.) penned 23, and sold: For Miss B. Dyke (Ranfurly), 4 pig's to £2 12s; Mr T. Hewitt (Momona), 3 pigs at £1 7s 6d; Mr R. Brown (NorthEast Valley), 2 pigs at £1 9s; Mr W. J. J. Charters (Ury Park, Mosgiel), 7 pigs to 8s; Mr T. Braid (Pine Hill), 4 pigs to 16s 6d; Mr F. Kropp (North-East Valley), 2 pigs at £P 5s 6d. Rabbitskins. —The usual auction sales of! rabbitskins was held on Monday, when fairsized catalogues were offered to a fidl attendance of buyers. Competition was keeni for all classes of skins at prices up to and) exceeding late quotations. Indications point towards higher prices even than last season's ruling this winter. Regular weekly sales are resumed, and catalogues will be offered every Monday afternoon. Quotations : —Late autumns, 18d to 21d ; autumns, 16d to 19d; prime racks, 14d to 14|d; light racks, 12d to 13£d; summers, 12d to 13£d;; runners and suckers, 7d to 9^d. Sheepskins.—The usual weekly auction sales of sheepskins were held on Tuesday, when large catalogues were offered to a full attendance of buyers. Competition was keen, and prices paid for all sound-pelted quarter and half-woolled halfbred and crossbred skins showed an advance of from id) to Jd per lb. Quotations: —Full wools:' Halfbred, B£d to 9£d; fine crossbred, 8d to B§d; crossbred, 7d to 8d; merino 7d to 8d;; dead, from Id to 2d lower. Half wools:; Halfbred, 6Jd to 7f d; crossbred, 6d td 7d;l merino; to- s£d. Quarter-wools: Halfbred, s|d to 6£d; crossbred, Sd to 6d ; merino, 3£d to Pelts: Crossbred, 3icß to 4£d; merino, 3d to 4d. Lambskins, 7ct to 7|d. Hides.—The usual fortnightly auction' sales of hides were held on Thursday, whe« fair-sized Catalogues were offered to the usual attendance of buyers. Competition* was keen at prices on a par with late quotations, with the exceotion of medium weights, which showed a decline of £d to id per lb. Quotations: —Ox: Extra stout heavy, 7gd to 7fd ; medium. 7£d to 7Jgd ; light, 7d to 7£d. Cow: Stout heavy, 7d to 7jjd; medium, 6£d to 7id; light, 6>?d to 7£d; yearling-. 6d to 6id ; calfskins, bid to 9gd; damaged! ; and inferior at lower rates. I Tallow and Fat.—All consignments coming forward meet with ready sale at quotations:Best mutton tallow, 19s to 21s; medium! tallow, 17s to ISs; inferior tallow, to 16s; I best rough fat, to 17s; medium fat, to 15s; : inferior fat, to 12s.

[The individual reports of stock agents,, wool rabbitskm, or grain brokers can bo I inserted m the Daily Times and Ota»o \\ ltness at special rates.] DUNEDIN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT. Messrs A. Moritzson and Co., auctioneers* wool, stock, station, grain, produce, and commission agents, Dunedin, report (wholesale) for the week'-as tinder. All quotations are subjoct to market fluctuations. Farmers are asked, when sending samples, always to put a price on them, as buyers do not feel inclined to make offers: Wheat.—Market firm. Prime milling velvet, 3s lid to 4s; fowl wheat, good whole, 3s 4cß to 3s Gd, ex store, sacks extra. | Oats.—Milling, Is lOd to Is lOJd; medium to good fe«d, Is Bjd Vb Li y.Vi ; inferior, Is 5d to Is 7(1, ex stor«i (sacks extra-}. Barley.— thimo mailing, 4a v? U 3d on trucks; inferior, tkl io iVs: poa-rliug, 2a i , feed, Is 9d, with v-or>* huu- hisluvss. I :. ; Sd to Is,

Maizs, 3s 9d to 4s. Prussian Blue peas, from. 5s to 5s 6d. (Partridge peas, 4s. Chaff.—Prime heavy, £3 15s to £3 17s 6d; Inferior and light, £2 to £2 15s. Ryegrass.—Farmers' dressed!, 2s 9d to 3s IKnachined seed. 3s 6d to 4s. Cocksfoot. —Present value from 4d to 4£d ; Inferior, 3d to 3Jd; machined, 5Jd. Linseed, 15s 6d~ to 16s 6d. <3hewing3's Fescue. — r Farmers' dressed, fed; machined, 5d to 6d. Walnuts.—New season's expected shortly, 6£d to 6d. -Eggs.—Cased, Is 9d; stamped, 2s. Rabbitskins. —At the sale on Monday fairBized catalogues were submitted. There was la full attendance of buyers, and competition was keen for all classes. The following are Hbe prices paid:—Super winter does, none offering; super winter bucks, none offering; incomings, 18Jd to 20d; ' autumns, 16Jd to 18Jd; prime racks, 14d to 14Jd; light racks, to 13Jd; runners and suckers, 6£d to 9d; autumn and incoming blacks, 16Jd to 18d; autumn fawflßj lid to 13§d; summer fawns, lid; horsehair, 18d to 18Jd; cowhair, 6d to 10*d; cowtips, Is 9*d to 2s. _ Sheepskins.—At the sale on Tuesday small catalogues were submitted to the usual attendance of buyers. Competition was keen, and all catalogues were cleared at prices on a s>ar with last sale's. We cuote :--Best halfbreds, S|d to 8d; medium halfbreds, 7§d toß*d; Mien ihalfbreds. 7d to 8d; short-wcolled, 6|d to 7£d; best fine crossbreds, 7Jd to BJd; medium fine crossbreds, 7d to 7|d; short fine crossbreds, s|d to 6|d; fallen fine crossibreds, 63 to 6£d; best crossbreds, 6|d to 7|d; medium crossbreds, 6d to" 6Jd; fallen crossbreds, sld to 6d; short crossbreds, 5d to 5Jd; best merinos, 7id' to 8d; medium merinos,'6|d to 7|d; short merinos, 4Jd to Sid; fallen merinos. 6id' to 7d; butchers' pelts, 4Jd to sjd; lambs, 7d to 8d; best country pelts, 4d to 4Jd; second country pelts, 3d to'3|d; inferior coimtry pelts, Id to 2Jd. Hides.—No sale this week, but prices ruling firm at last sale's rates, which are a* follows: Pinked stout ox, 8d to S|d; stout, 7Jd to 7gd; heavy not stout, 7d to 7gd; medium . weight, 6Jd to 7£d; light, 6|d to 7d; heavy cows, 6fd to 7Jd; medium cows, 6j*d to 7§d; light, 6id to 7d; cut and damaged, 4d to 6Jd; best calfskins, 9d to 91-d; medium calfskins, B£d to Bgd; cut calfskins, -5d to 7d; slippy calfskins, Id to 3Jd; yearlings, sound, 6d to 7d; cut and damaged, 3d to 4Jd. Wool.—All oddments offering are freely taken at the following prices: —Super (half bred, ll*d to 12Jd; medium halfbred, lOd to lid; inferior halfbred, Bg-d to 9gd; best fine crossbred, to lid; medium, fine crossbred, Bjd to -9Jdi; inferior fine crossbred, 7d to BJd; best crossBred, 9Jd. to 104 d; medium crossbred. BSd to 9Jd; inferior crossbred, 64d to BJd; first pieces, GAd to 8d; .second pieces, 41d to 6d; stained pieces and locks, 2Jd to 4d; best merino, lOd to lljd; medium merino, 9d to 92d; inferior merino, 8d to- BJd. Tallow.—Best mutton tallow, in tins, 20s 6d to 225; medium to good, 19s to 20s; casks, 20a to 235; inferior, 16s to 18s 6d. Potatoes.—Best, M 5s to £4 10s; medium Samples, in over-supply, £2 las to £3. Salt butter, 9d .to lOd; separator, to Is. butter (in. pats), storekeepers', 9d to lOd. Cheese«—Factory, 7d; Akaroa, 5Jd to 6a ; loaf. Jd more. Honey.—ln good demand-. Section honey. Slew season's, 6s -to 7s x> er doz. ; bulk, large tins, 3-Jd ■ to 3|d ;• small tins, 4Jd to 4|d. Bees-.vax. Is 4d to Is sd; Wanted. —7-kl • to Bd. _>acon.—Roll. 7*d to 8d; sides, 7d to 8d (slow of sale). Poultry for Local Consumption.—-Hens, 3s to 4s per pair; roosters, 3s 6d to 4s 6d; turkey hens 5d to .6d, cocks 8d to 9d; geese, i4s to 5s .6d; ducks, 4s to 4s 6d per pair. S'rnft.—ln good demand. Pish Oil, for orchardists or soap manufacturers, from 2s to 2s 6d per gallon. Onions.—Local, £3 10s to £A. Storing Grain.—We are prepared to store, receive, deliver, and insure for three months free storage at 3d per sack. Farm Produce and Fruit.—We receive all kinds of consignments, and render account Bales promptly. CENTRAL PRODUCE MART (LTD.) Heports a very week ending Saturday, the -23rd. Prime fruits of all descriptions are in demand, but second grade fruit is at a discount, and any price offering has to be accepted to affect a clearsunoe The present prospects of securing fair values are more encouraging. We give below the actual prices secured for our co nsignorc; Apples—Prime dessert 2 z d, oiibers ~l£d to. 2d; cooking apples, extra prime ljd, large green lad to 3.£d, good Id, others 6s per cwt. Pears—extra choice dessert 2£d, good ' ljd to 2d, others Id; "cooking, l£d. . Quinces market firm. Grapes—choice to Is, others 4d to. 6d, Melbourne s^d; persimmons .. realised- 8s 6d. Passions, 9s for choice; pie melons—we secured- 5s to 6s per cwt; tomatoes —in short supply, choice 3ceale> 6d, Christehurch hothouse sd, outside Ijd to 2d; cucumbers 2s 6d to 4s per case; vegetable marrows, 5s 6d to 6s per sack; cabbage wanted, prime realised 4s *o 4s 6d, blighted Is to 2s 6d; cauliflowers wanted, choice 5s to 6s, blighted Is fto 2s 6d;'lettuce, 8d dozen; green peas 3d; (beans realised 3d. The new season's walnuts 4gd to 6d. Chestnuts realised the fiame price; Barcelonia nuts, s£d; Brazil nuts, Sd; peanuts, 2|d to 3d for choice. Bananas, 2d to 24C1 for ripe. Oranges, 9s. Sydney lemons 8s to 9s. Figs—layers, prime, 4^d: Franco, A-kd ; bag's, 2J,d. Dates—packets, 3s; bulk. 2d. Honey, bulk, 3Jd to 4d ; sections, 3d to 6d. Butter —separator, lid to Is; •Farmers' pats, 10gd. Cheese—-loaf, 6-gd for prime; factory, 63d for best brands. Eggs—stamped and guaranteed, 2s; preserved, Is 4d per dozen. Bacon—prime rolls, 7gd' to 8d: others, 6cl to 7d; flitches, poor sale, 6yd. Prime bacon pigs, 3jd to 4d for ehoice; others, 34,d to 3£d. Fresh meat —Sales during the past ;ivcek have been exceptionally heavy. Beef—choice cuts, 2Ad to 4d; others, to 2{-d. {Mutton —hindquarters, 2-id; forequarters, !l|d to 2d. Lamb forequarters, 2id to 2gd; hindquarters, 2fd to 4d. Poultry—hens, Is 3d to Is 9d; cockerels —prime 2s to 2s sd, fair Is 6d to Is 9d, «oor Is to Is 3d, small 8d to lOd; aDucks —Some _ nice consignments came forward which realised 2s 3d to 2s 6d each; others, Is 8d to 2s each; «mall, Is 6d each. Turkeys—gobblers, 8d M:o Sid; hens, 4d to sgd per lb. Geese 5s 6d jto 6s 6d. Pure bred poultry realised from 3s :.fto &3 each. Produce : Potatoes We secured 3355. to 90s for our consignments. Onions—iCariterburys, prime, 70s ,to 80s. Oatsheaf chaff —prime, 85s. in small lots; _other Klines, from 655. P'owl wheat, 3s 3d io 3s Bd. Oate, good. feed, Is 10d to 2s for good samples. Fat—prime, 'too 2Ds; good quality, 175.6 d; poor, 16s per cwt. Horsehair, Is §4. Swawvax, Is- 4d. Rab-

bitskins: In good demand, and prices ar© firmer. We specially invite -consignments of good oats, cbaff, hay, pressed straw, and pots.toes, and, holding bhippmg orders, can guarantee consignors full market rates Thanking consignors and customers for their hearty support.—We are, yours faithfully, REILLY, SCOTT, & GILL, Proprietors.

THE MONEY MARKET.

The banking returns for the first quarter of 1910 reveal a striking recpvery in the financial position existing in New Zealand. The heavy demands made upon the banks in the year 1908 had necessitated the bringing in of considerable additional funds by° those institutions, and even that assistance did not suffice to prevent considerable financial pressure upon the mercantile and trading community. The expansion of the value of our exports in the season ending on 30th September, 1909, with substantial diminution in the value of our imports, placed matters on an improved footing. We are now half-way into the 1909-1 U season, and the results, so far, are extremely satisfactory and productive of further improvement in financial conditions. Bank advances show in- the last twelvemonth a decrease of while private deposits are increased by £2,070,883, a total improvement o± £4,396,908. If the comparison be carried back to the end of 1908 the contrast is still more striking, the advances having been reduced in the 15 months by £3,430,307 and deposits increased by £2,733,709—a difference of £6,163,016. The main cause of this welcome change is the pronounced increase in the value of our exports, together with the continued restriction in the scale of our imports. ~'•»«• i The official returns for the March quarter are not yet available, but the interim leaflets issued by- the Department of Industries and Commerce indicate that the value of exports for the quarter will reach the high total of £8,500,000> The imports, on the other hand, are still on a reduced scale, and the total value is not likely to exceed, if even it attains, the level of last year, say £4,000,000, _ This would yield the substantial margin of £4,500,000 of excess of exports over imports. The March quarter always shows an excess of exports, but the margin on the present occasion is unusually heavy. A big volume of exports is still going forward, and there is good reason to believe that the results of the June quarter will also be satisfactory and helpful to the financial position. - , As we have remarked on a previous occasion, we have reason to believe that the radical change in the relative volumes of our imports and exports and in their proportion to each other does not constitute the onlv factor in the striking movements of the bank advances and deposits. Loans to a total of a million or more were negotiated in the London market during 1909, through the banks, on behalf of various New Zealand local governing bodies. Tine moneys thus raised have, we believe, affected both advances and deposits. Advances granted in anticipation have been paid off when loans were raised, and unexpended balances have been lodged on deposit pending completion of works. . . There seems, however, it must be admitted to exist a feeling of want of confidence or absence of enterprise in the Dominion which it is not easy to explain, probable the aftermath of the recent financial stringency. The improved conditions now existing, with further amelioration in view, should, before long, brine- about healthier and more active conditions.—Trade Review. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MORTGAGE COMPANY LONDON, April 24. The Australian and New Zealand Mortgage Company's balance-sheet shows a credit to profit and loss of £763. INVESTMENT STOCKS. April 25. Bank of N.Z.—Buyers £9 17s 6d, sellers £lO. National Insurance —Buyers £1 9s. -Standard Insurance —Buyers #1 3s. U.SS. Co.-Buyers £1 lis 9d. Westport Coal Co.—Buyers £6 6s 6d. N.Z. Coal and Oil—Buyers 2s, sellers 2s 2d. „ . _ ._ . National Mortgage Co.—Buyers £3 2s Trustees Executors Co.—Buvers £3 2/3 6d. Mosgiel Woollen Factory—Buyers £2 16s N Z. Drug Co. {£Zl— Buyers- £2 7s. . N.Z. Paoer Mills—Buyers £1 Is 9d. Donaghy's Rope and Twine—Buyers £1 3s. Empire Buildings—Buyers £1 4s.

FORTNIGHTLY LABOUR ERPORT

Central Labour Exchange, Arcade, reports that during the last fortnight there has been a fair demand foi all kinds of farm and station hands, thera being a good inquiry for first-class ploughmen foi Canterbury. Thei ruling waves are: Ploughmen, 25;. to 27s 6d; counts, ££o to £100; rouse aboufcs, 20s to 22s 6d; youths (fa.rm), 15s; .groom-garde.n.?a\s, 255: cook, 255; labourers, 8s 6d; fencers, 255.