MELBOURNE HORSE SALES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3099, 6 August 1913, Page 19

MELBOURNE HORSE SALES.

AN OVER-SUPPLY OF MEDIUM AND INFERIOR ANIMALS. While the demand for first-class stallions has been fairly gcod at the Melbourne horse sales this year, medium and inferior were not in much request. As it was evident there was an oversupply of the latter classes, sellers evidently made up their minds to accept the prices offering rather than run the risk of keeping their animals. The importations from Great Britain showed a falling off, while there were not nearly as many horses brought from the dominion as in other years. In this connection an interesting statistical compilation has been supplied by Mr W. N. Robertson, chief veterinary surgeon to the Department of Agriculture. It shows the number of stallions, marcs, and geldings, both draught and light, imported to Victoria from New Zealand during the past three seasons. The figures arc as follow:

It is probable that there will always bo a fair market in Australia for a limited number of good Clydesdale horses. It is the general opinion that some of those who have been sending horses to Melbourne during the past few years have adopted a course calculated to kill the demand for horses from New Zealand. The quality of some of the animals shipped was of the poorest, and it is evident that if New Zealand :s to retain its good name some check will have to bo devised on the work of those prepared to sacrifice future prospects for a paltry, immediate gain. Messrs Campbell and Sons’ parade horse sale commenced on July 16, when there was a good attendance. The imported Shire stallion Eaton Charmer realised 450 gs. For colonial-brcd draught stallions some fair prices were realised. Mark, by Marccllus, was sold for 360ga; Newton’s Pride, by Pride of Newton. 300 gs; Hind Muster, by Lord Plunkct, 280 gs; Taieri Hero, by Wlnterscugh Hero —Taieri Rose, 375g5; Fred, by Everlasting, 400 gs; Major Oats, by Cast Stewart, 250 gs; Abbotsford King, by Pride of Newton, lOOgs. Several Vic-torian-bred animals realised over three figures, while others brought as low as 524g5. ’The highest price paid for a draught

mare was 75gs for Miss Mosley, by Herd Laddie. Others by sires well known in New Zealand sold as follows: —Fyvie Lass, by Byron Fyvie, 46gs; Molly, by Garthland, 36gs; Violet, by Agitator - , 60gs; Gem, by Agitator, 60gs; Bell, by Young Herd Laddie, 42gs; Violet, by Better Times, 31gs; Kate, by Papa Ida, 55gs; Maggie Bancor, by Bonny Shepherd, 59gs; Cantler Lass, 3bgs; Lady MacDonald, 44gs. Messrs Adamson, Streul, and Co.'s parade prior to their sale was held on the 21st. In the open Clydesdale class, the winner was Bold Baron, a New Zealand importation, owned by Mr H. Jackman; the second award being annexed by Sir Everest, imported from New Zealand by Mr Alex. Robertson. In the three-year-old class. Sir Everest was again the winner; second prize being awarded to the New Zealand horse Sir Mac, owned by Mr 11. E. Dahlenburg. There was keen rivalry in the class for champion stallion of the yard, the winner of which was the Shire stallion Quarrin.gton Chatsworth. There was a largo entry of mares, conceded, in fact, to bo one of the finest rings that has ever been seen in Melbourne. First prize was secured by Kate, and second by June, both of which were imported from New Zealand by Mr Alex. Robertson. At the first day’s sale prices wero only moderate, Mr A. Robertson’s Sir Everest heading the list with 145 gs. Mr J. Blair’s Abbotsford Prince sold for HOgs, Mr T. Coogan's Chief Officer 130 gs. Mr M'Lood’s Du.neraig Again lOOgs. Mr W. J. Charters’* horses sold as follows: —Pride’s Baron, 57ga, Silver Prince 35gs, Baron Jun. 62gs, Royal Plainer 32gs, Prince Lionel 23gs, Baron Robinson 2ogs, Royal Banner 25ge Mr P. Shearer’s Craigwillio sold for 55ge, and Cecil Ward for A number of horses wore disposed of privately, prices realised not being made public.

DRAUGHTS. Stallions. Mares Geldings. 1910-11 .. .. 292 1,786 785 1911-12 .. .. 216 452 203 1912-13 .. .. .173 113 40 LIGHT HORSES. 1910-11 .. 11 16 10 1911-12 .. .. 12 35 11 1912-13 .. .. 4 ' 19 9 Totals: — 1910-11 . .. 2,873 1911-12 . .. 967 1912-13 . .. 358