THE BREADSTUFFS AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3274, 13 December 1916, Page 15

THE BREADSTUFFS AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Friday evening. Tho London market remains very firm. Parcels of Australian wheat recently shipped havo realised 77a per 4801 b, c.j.f. In Chicago, however, values have fluctuated daily, wheat there being now almost a purely domestic proposition, owing to the femall margin between production and consumption. This fact makes wheat more of /% gambling counter than ever, and the position is further aggravated by tho immense amount of money in tho United States available for almost any purpose. Tho rapidity with which the mercantile jnarino ol the _ world is beinrr destroyed by enemy submarines renders tho transport of pur wheat to Europe an increasingly difficult problem (says the Australasian). The length of the voyage from Australia to British jiorts, of course, adds greatly to tho dangers of attack from hostile craft, and any method ■which is calculated to lessen this risk is •worthy of consideration. Failing the rei«aso of Russia's largo surplus of wheat, it .3 contended that the relatively small production in America last season compels Great Britain to draw heavily on the more rcjttiote sources of supply, such as India and Australia. On present indications, it loolc3 &s if, between old and new wheat, Australia

may have an exportablo surplus of 20,000,000 quarters. It is suggested that it should bo possible for Great Britain to arrange for Canada to export wheat to Europe to tho full extent of her stocks and replenish by shipments from Australia. If an exehairgo were practicable, it would reduce to a minimum the risk of supplying tho Allies with a very largo quantity of breadstuffs, and would greatly accelerate the process of turning our wheat into money. The information that came to hand to-day stating that the Government has removed tho duty of £1 per ton on flour has paralysed tho wheat market in tho meantime. Earlier in tho week several small lines changed hands at the following prices:—Velvet, 6s 6d; red sorts, 6s 3d. Oatmeal is quoted at £l6 a ton for 25's; pearl barley, £l9; pollard, £& to £6 10s; bran, £4. Flour was further advanced during the week by 10s a ton. The current quotation is now £ls. Tho market is rather bare of stocks of oats, and not much business has to be recorded. North Island buyers aro confining their orders to ''hand-to-mouth" business. What oats are in store are held for higher prices than those named by local merchants. Merchants are quoting about 3s Id to 3s 2d (f.0.b., sacks in) for A Gartons—equal to 2s lid to 3s (ex store). Pound about tho Gore district holders aro asking 2s lO&d to 3s (country sidings). In Invercargili tho market is also very quiet. A Gartons are nominally quoted there at 3s 3d, and 3s 2d for B's "(f.0.b., sacks in). PRODUCE REPORT. Chaff is quoted at up to £4 12s 6d for prime quality. Consignments are not equal to the demand, farmers being too busy at the present time to pay mucn attention to cutting. - There is very little demand for either oaten or wheaten straw. Old potatoes are now being sold at about £6 a ton. Tho increasing supplies of new tubers have practically killed tho demand for old, which, however, are now pretty well finished. There are not many onions available at present. A further supply is duo to arrive lrom Melbourne next week. _ Eggs are unchanged in price. Dairy and separator butter, in lib packets, has advanced Id per ib during the week. Current wholesale prices are as follow : Chaff.—Prime oaten-sheaf, to £4 12s 6d; medium to good, £3 to £3 15s (sacks extra). Straw.—Oaten, to £3; wheaten, £2 10s. Melbourne onions.—Prime, £l2. Hay, £4 to £4 10s. Eggs.—Fresh, Is 2d; stamped, is 3d. Butter.—Milled bulk, Is 2d per lb; dairy and separator, in lib packets, Is Id to Is 2d; separator (balk), Is Id to Is 2d. Pigs.—Baconcrs, 7d per lb; porkers, 7d. Bacon.—Holla (in quantities), local, Is; Christchurch, Is; sides, lid; hams, Is per lb; ham rolls, Is Id. FRUIT REPORT. Owing to tho irregular shipping service between Auckland and tho south, the Fiji bananas ex i'aluno had to be railed from Auckland to Wellington, thus adding greatly to the cost. Tho bananas that came forward were quickly sold at prices ranging from 22s 6d to 255. These prices work out at closo on Id per banana. Strawberries from tho Otago Central are practically finished. Tho tew lines now coming forward aro from Waimate, and these realise from Ifld to Is pel' pottle of about lloz. Fairly good supplies of tomatoes have readied the market from Christchurch. One consignor sent forward no fewer than 40 cases in the oho clay. Cherries aro arriving from the Otago Central district, and are being sold at fair prices under a good demand. New potatoes and peas arc meeting with a very keen demand, and prices show an upward tendency. It is stated that supplies of both these vegetables may not be sufficient to meet all tho orders. A parcel of Oalifornian apples came to hand by the Moana. The fruit reached the market in splendid order, and as the shipment will be tho last, to arrive before

■Christmas, prices are ruling fairly firm. The demand for Sydney fruit lias gone right oil. Mandarins and second crop oranges arc now almost unsaleable, the quality not being up to the standard demanded by the public. The following aro the current wholesale prices:—■ Apples. —Good supply. Californian, lCs to bs (j i for prime

Oranges. — American Navels, 27s 6d per double "case; Sydney, 5s to" 7s; mandarins, 4 s to 6s.

Lemons. —Auckland, 5s to 9s; Californian doubles, 40s per double case. Bananas.—Market bare; Fiji, 22s 6d to 255; Raratongan, 20s. Strawberries.—9d to lOd per pottle; choice. Is 2d to Is 4d.

Cherries.— to 9d; choice, lOd to Is 2d. Tomatoes.—Christchurch hothouse, Is to Is 2d; local hothouse, 13 4d. Cucumber*.— 10s to 14s per dozen.

Cabbages, Is 6d to 2s per dozen ; Is to 3s Gd per sack. Cauliflowers, new spring, 4s eel to 6s 6d per sack, 5s to 6s per dozen. Carrots, new season's, Is to Is 6d per dozen bunches. Turnips, 6d to 8d per dozen. Rhubarb, Id to lkl per lb for choice red; others, 6s to 7s per cwt. Lettuce, 4d to Is per dozen. New Potatoes.—Local. 2d to 2£d; Auckland, ljd. Green i>eas.—22d to Z ] 4 d for choice; medium, lid to 2|d. Gooseberries. —l|i to 2d for large; medium, to l|d. MERCHANDISE MARKET. Murrays announce an alteration in the prices of Cowslip and IXL brands of preserved milk, 'lhcy aro now quoted at 23s 6d per casp. Mellor's sauce, pints and half-pints, has been advanced in price. Pints are now worth 16s to 16s 6d and half-pints 10s 6d and 10s Bd. Colman's and Keen's scmaro blue is quoted at 8s 6d and 83 9d (case lots); bags, 8s 7d and 8a lOd. The Opawa is now discharging cargo at the Dunedin wharf. Sho brings M'Clinton's Barilla soap, whiting, bi-carbonato of soda, etc. Packet Jack dried apples aro in short supply, and aro quoted at 10s to 10s 6d per dozen, according to quantity. The Kurow is bringing a further parcel of muscatels and seeded raisins, also a small portion of the new season's salmon. Merchants hayo been a .'vised that orders for salmon have been very much curtailed owing to short supplies in British Columbia. After the end of this month no American soaps can be landed on the dominion market*.

Messrs Morton advise that they- aro unable to supply loz packets of carbonate of magnesia. Local stocks aro pretty well exhausted. Mortons’ red” herrings aro practically off the market. A line of Black Horse coarse salt is expected on the lluahine, duo hero on December 23. Edmonds and Co. have placed a new size of tinned baking powder on the market. A small parcel of walnuts arrived on the market this week, and is selling at lOd per lb Sago and tapioca still show increased prices. Sago is now quoted at 30a per cwt, tapioca 31s Crenjonne, for making ice cream, is a new agency lino which is being placed on the market. The manufacturers of Gold Pouch tobacco aro putting a special blend of aromatic tobacco on the market. COMMERCIAL CABLEGRAMS. LONDON, December 6. Wheat is in good demand, and offers are scarce. December 5. Wheat, firm. At the tallow sales to-day 1817 casks were offered, and 1575 sold. Mutton: Fine, 57s 6d; medium, 50s. Beef: Fine, 66s 3d; medium, 50s. December 7. Bank of England returns; —Stock of gold coin and bullion, £54,233,000; reserve, £35,534,000; proportion of reserve to liabilities, 21.79 per cent,; notes in circulation, £57,858,000; Government deposits, £58,717,000; other deposits, £108,945.000; Government securities, £42,188,000; other securities, £106,075,000. Discount on short loans, 5 per cent. ; throe months’ bills, per cent. The Stock Exchange was somewhat depressed owing to the political crisis and the Rumanian situation, but there was not a pressure to sell. Consols, £54 10s. War loans: 5g per cent., £B3 10s; 4 per cent., £95. Following aro the quotations for colonial stocks, as compared with those for the nrevinns week :

* 11)29-40 currency, t 1920-30 currency. Butter: Very firm. Business is restricted owing to short supplies. Danish, about 2225; Australian practically cleared, choicest suited 206 sto 2035, unsalted 2125, lower grades 194 s to 200 s; New Zealand, none oil'cring till the Rirnutaka. discharges her cargo; Argentine, unsalted 204 s to 208 s. Cheese: Firm. Canadian, 126 sto 130 s. Retailers are apprehensive about supplies, fearing that the Government may release very little. Wool: The Bradford market is absolutely disorganised. There is nothing doing, and quotations arc impossible. The market closed rather more cheerful after an influential conference, at which all sections were represented. It carried a resolution similar to that adopted in London on Friday. ’At the meeting a well-informed speaker said that sales would bo held next week and continue to bo hold for wools which the Government did not require. Wheat: Firm and quiet. Flour: Firm. Australian patents, 59s to 59s 6d. Peas: Firm. New Zealand maples, 48s.

Beans: Strong. No New Zealand offering. Oats: Hardening. La Plata, none offering. Sugar: Unchanged. Copper: Spot, £152 10s; three months, £143 10s; electrolytic, £167 10s. Tin: Spot, £Vcb 12s 6d; three months, £IBB 12s. 6d. Load: Spot, £3O 10s; three months, £29 10s. Spelter: Spot, £53; three montns, £SO. Silver, 36£d per oz. December 9. Wheat.—Chicago December options, 163£ cents; May options, 178| to 1731 cents Frozen Meat. —Australian mutton, B£d ; New Zealand, Bgd; South American, B£d j Australian lamb, 9gd; New Zealand, 9|d; Soiith American, 9^cl. Frozen Rabbits. —Very firm, owing to short supplies and brisk demand. New South Wales blues, ex 6torc, 30s. Rubber. —Para, 3s 6d; plantation, and smoked, 3s 4£d. Copra.—October-December shipment, £39 ss, nominal. Hemp: Quiet. High point fair OctoberDecember shipment, £54. "December 10. Wheat.—For all cargoes quotations are nominal.

Tho quantity of -wheat and flour afloat for tho United Kingdom is 1,865,000 quarters; for tho Continent, 290,000 quarters. Atlantic shipments for tho week totalled 543,000 quarters; Pacific shipments, nil. The week's total shipments for Europe wcro 838,000 quarters, including Argentine shipments 56,000 quarters Australasian 55,000 quarters. CANTERBURY MARKETS. GRAIN AND PRODUCE REPORTS. (Lyitelton Times, December 9.) Thero is little life in the grain market at present. Wheat prices aro still nigh, and seem likely to remain so, unless some- action is taken by the Government. The 1917 harvest, it is expected, will fall something like 1,000,000 bushels short of New Zealand's own requirements. A suggestion has been offered that the Government should guaranteo a remunerative, price for next season's growing, in order to ensure an adequate .supply of wheat and flour. On (he surface the suggestion seems good enough, but tho consumer, in whoso interest such arrangement would be made, would naturally be incensed if the production both hero and in Australia wcro away beyond requirements, and tho State-fixed prices were consequently above tho market value of the product. Meanwhile, with wheat selling at 6s per bushel on trucks, merchants ere looking towards Australia. Tho price of best milling wheat for export to New Zealand has been raised to 5s per bushel, f.o.b. Sydney, On that basis, Australian flour can

bo landed in New Zealand for about £l4 I2s per ton —a prico that may tempt Auckland and Wellington merchants away from Canterbury flour at £ls per ton. ''Australian wheat and Hour," said a well-known merchant to-day, '* aro tho cheapest in tho world at the present time." In view of tho various disconcerting circumstances, and particularly in view of tho high prices (6s od and upwards) asked by the farmers who still hold stocks, business is restricted. A few lines of Tuscan changed hands during tho week at 6s per bushel on trucks at Kangiora, and a sale of a splendid line of Pearl is reported at 6s 6d, ex storo. Christchurch. Wheat at 6s per bushel means flour at £l6 per ton. Later advices aro to the effect that tho Government has decided, on tho recommendation of tho Board of Trade, to remit tho duty on imported flour as from to-day. There aro no export dealings in oats or chaff. No alteration is reported in the prices of dairy produce. Tho following quotations aro for purchases from farmers, net cash, sacks extra, delivery at country stations: —Wheat Tuscan, 6s; Hunters, 6s Id; Pearl, 6s to 6s 3d. Oats—Gartons, 2s lOd to 3s; Algerian, nono offering; Duns, 3s; Danish, nono offering. Barley, malting (nominal), 5s to 5s 3d. Bran, £4; chaff, £3 10s to £4; oatmeal, £l7; pollard. £7; flour, £ls. Ryegrass seed, 5s 6d; cocksfoot (131 b), lOd to lid; white clover (farm dressed;, Is to Is 2d; cowgrass, Sd to lOd. Dairy factory cheeso lid. Local factory butter, first grade is sd; farm separator, pats, Is Id; dairy, pats. Is; dairy, bulk, lid. Hams, Is Id; sides, lid; roll hams, Is 4d; lard pats, Is id. Eggs, is id. Prices quoted for butter are less discount. TTMARU MARKETS (Christehurch Press, December 9.) Sales of wheat are reported at prices fully on a par with thoso of last week, but the market is now unsettled owing to the action of tho Government in deciding to allow Australian flour to como in duty free. This is bound to have an immediate effect on the price of flour and wheat in tho Dominion. It will also result in relieving tho shortage (if any) of wheat in New Zealand. Sales of Tuscan wore made in the early part of the week at 6s 3gd and 6s 4d on trucks, and some wheat was sold at 6s 8d f.o.b. Offers of 6s 4d which were refused by growers would not now bo repeated. It is doubtful whether, on tho basis of the prico of Australian wheat and flour, local wheat is worth more than 5s 6cl to 5s 9d on trucks. Australian flour can be landed hero at £l3 10s per ton, as against tho local price of £ls. Oats are reported weaker, and values to-day aro about 2s 8d to 2s 9d on trucks, but

nono arc offering. Ontshoaf chaff is selling at £4 per ton on trucks. THE WOOL SALES. NECESSITY FOR A DECISION. LONDON, December 6. Nothing- ia settled regarding the woos sales. In everybody's opinion is is absolutely imperative thafctho wool hero must ba distributed immediately, otherwise the machinery will bo at a standstill. December 8. It has been decided to hold the first series of wool sales from the 14th to the 20th December, and the second series from 20th December to 3rd January, subject to -such conditions as the Government may impose. DTJNEDIN MARKETS. ■wholesale pbodtjcb repoets. I J. O'Kane (late J. Lindsay and Co.J» Princes street south, reports under date the 12th inst.: \» ij«"»t per bushel, f Oaten eha.it Best milling ... 7/<> Prime 85/o—llo/0 ! Fowls' 6/3 Good 100/9 | Milling oats ... 3/6 Inferior 00/o—Bo/4 : Feed oats.. ... 3/fi Ryegrass and clover j Malt barley ... P/Q hay ... lUO/0-110/0 ! Feed barley ... 6/0 ! Cane barley .., 6/6 Straw: ! Maize fi/0 Wheat en 40/0-56/0 per ton. Oaten 60/0—65/0 Flour, in 200'g k „ £f C/0 Rolled bacon ... I/O : Flour, in 50's ~.275/0 Side bacon ... 9d Pollard 1-0/0 Smoked hams ... 1/0 j Bran SO/0 Cheese lid J Oatmeal, in 25'a 420/0 Salt butter fid—l/0 £ pearl barley .. 430/0 (according to quality) I yr<". fresh ... l/l ' Onions.—Melbourne, £l2 10s. Potatoes.— £9. Straw Chaff.—Wheaten, 50s; oaten, 80s. - FARM AND DAIRY PRODUCE. Mr B. J. M'Artitjr (successor to Messrsr M'llroy Bros.), George street, reports paying for produce during the week ending th« 12th inst., as follows: biainpeil ire.sh liggs - I lloiify (bulk), si>l !b ■ l/< doz Honey (section), 5/rt doa i Salt Butter, l/l lb | Honey (Cartons),«7- do*, j Sep. Butter, )/i lb | Beeswax, !/2. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. WELLINGTON, December 11. The High Commissioner cabled as follows on December 9 (Note.—The quotations, unless otherwise specified, are the average) market prices on spot): Meat. —New Zealand mutton and lamb continuG in good demand owing to a small supply of all descriptions of meiit. Homo-

killed mutton and beef prices arc lower. ■ New Zealand mutton (very scarce), Sid; ewo mutton, 8d; Argentine mutton, B|d; New Zealand lamb, Argentine lamb, J

B£d. For New Zealand beef the demand and prices have improved, partly owing to a belief that the supply will be small. New Zealand bull beef: Hinds, 7gd; fores, 7{d.

Argentine chilled beef: Hinds, 9|d; fores, Bid. Butter.—The market continues firm, and there is a steady demand. Danish butter (mutilated word), 2205; exceptionally good, 2225; Irish crenraery salted, 204 sto 2065; unsalted, 210 sto 2125; Australian (in good demand at current prices), 2063 to 208 s; unsalted, 20os to 2125; exceptionally good unsalted, 2145; American creamery salted, 192 s to 1945; Argentine salted, 202 s to 2045; unsalted, 210 s to 2125.

Cheese. —The market continues firm, and prices arc higher. Canadian coloured, 130 s to 1335; white, 128 s to 130 s; English cheddar (market closed strong) white, 136 s to 140 s; United States fiats, white, 126 sto 12Ss; coloured, 126 sto 1286; Dutch cheddar (firm demand), white, 124 s to 1265. There is no business doing hi New Zealand cheese. The Government has commandeered all the Rimutaka's shipment, and I believe there is some foundation for a belief that future shipments may bo treated likewise. Merchants are greatly tmsettled on account of tho Government's action, and are anxiously awaiting a settlement. A definite statement from the Government in reference to tho cheese stocks in London, Liverpool, and Bristol are 204,000 boxes, as against 209,000 last year, and of second grade coloured 2500 boxes, as against 20C0 last year.

Hemp.—The market remains firm, and there is more demand. Good fair New Zealand hemp, £54 10s; fair, £52 10s; Government graded fair Manila, £SB 10s; coarse, £56; January-March shipment, good fair New Zealand, £54; fair, £52; Government fair Manila, £57 10s; coarse, £55 10s. The output of hemp at Manila for tho week ended last Saturday was 15,000 bales. The stocks on hand were 710 tons of Now Zealand hemp at the end of November. Wheat.—The market is quiet, but firm. Tho Government offerings are very small. I cannot give quotations during the present condition of tho market.

Oats. —The market is firm, and there is more inquiry. New Zealand on spot, 48s. Wool.—The market is very unsettled pending a decision by the Government in regard to the auction sales, which will commence on December 14.

OAMARU MARKETS. (Feom Ouh Own Coerespondent.) OAMARU, December 9.

In the earlier part of the week some business was done in wheat, small mixed lines composed of Dreadnought,, Red Marvel, and Bordier having changed hands at 5s lOd, and a small line of Red Marvel at 6s 3d, all at country stations and subject to commission; but the announcement of tho removal of the duty on flour lias brought business to a standstill.

SOUTHLAND MARKETS. IFKOAI UUK OWN (JCHUIESPONDIiNT.)

lis V ERCAi-cOli-L, December 9,

The oats muriitt is quite iiieless, being to some extent uy business being uone- in Canterbury tor iorwara' delivery. This, however, is nartlly affecting owners' ideas ot values, becauso little or no oats is being oiierod by growers, 'liiougii the price is still nominally 2s 8d on trucks, it is certain that no inerciiuiit would bo disposed to quote more, than 2s bd for A grade Oartons, not because they feur a tall in tne market, but because ox the absence ot business.

As farmers are busy sowing turnips at present, what little chaff is ottering is not more than sufficient for local requirements, and the price is from £3 15s per ton on trucks.

Ryegrass seed is in good demand, and a little wholesale business is being done on the basis of 6s 6d per bushel, ex store, for 271 b seed. Italian is in strong demand, but stocks are so email that merchants are practically unable to offer for wholesale trade. With regard to hemp, the difficulty of procuring freight is more pronounced than ever, and merchants are not much disposed to do business. Prices to millers are nominally on the basis of £35 to £35 10s on trucks for good fair. There is practically nothing doing in potatoes, tho old crop being almost exhausted, and now potatoes not yet available in any quantity. Under these circumstances quotations are valueless. GRAIN AND PRODUCE SALES. Messrs Donald Reid and Co. report:— Oats: The tone of the market has been quieter during the past week. Shippers are not keen buyers, and confine their attention chiefly to prime lines, Gar tons preferred. Ail sorts show a reduction in value. The quantity on offer locally is small, and as only moderate quantities aro offering at country stations, the business passing is on only a small scale. Prime muling, 2s lid to 3s; good to best feed, 2s lOd to 2s lid; inferior to medium, 2s 6H, to 2s 9d per bushel (sack extra). Wheat: Stocks are light, and there is not much offering in the country. A few fair-sized lines were picked up by millers last week at quotations. Since the question of the removal of import duty on Australian flour was raised the market is quieter, but quotations aro practically unchanged. Prime velvet, 6s 3d to 6s 8d; Tuscan, etc., 6s to 6s 3d; best whole fowl wheat, 5s 6d to 6s; medium, 5s to 5s 6d; broken and damaged, 4s 6d to 4s lOd per bushel (sacks extra). Potatoes : The demand for old potatoes is now practically over, and present stocks consist only of inferior and almost unsaleable lots of sprouted or small potatoes. A few small freshly-picked lots have been placed at £4 10s to £5; others, £2 to £4 per ton (sacks included). Chaff: This is in moderate supply. Tho demand is almost entirely for prime heavy chaff, which meets with ready sale on arrival. Best oaten sheaf, £4 10s to £4 12s 6d; choice, to £4 15s; medium to good, £3 15s to £4 ss; light and discoloured, £3 to £3 10s per ton (bags extra) Messrs Dalgety and Co. report as fol-lows:—-Oats: There is very L'ttta life in tho market, and sales can only be effected as a reduction on lato rates. The demand is confined to small lots for immediate consignment, buyers not being prepared to stock up any quantity. Discoloured and i\od lines are meeting with a fair demand for local requirements. Prime milling. 2s lid to 3s; good to best feed, 2s 9d to 2s lOd; inferior, 2s 3d to 2s Sd per busncl (sacks extra). Wheat: There has been a strong demand for all 'classes of wheat, and any l".ies offering havo been readily taken at quotations. No doubt the Government removing tho duty on flour will havo a steadying elfect on the market. Fowl wheat is in very short supply, and any samples coming forward aro readily sold at quotations. Prime milling velvet, 6s 3d to 6s od; primo milling Tuscan and red wheat, 6s to 6s 3d; medium milling best whole fowl, 5s 9d to 6s; medium quality fowl wheat, 5s 3d to 5s od; broken and damaged fowl wheat, to 5s per bushel (sacks extra). Potatoes: Tho

season is now practically over, and any old season's coming forward are difficult to place at from £2 to £6 per ton, buyers giving their attention to the new season's tubers, which are offering in much larger quantities. Chaff: Consignments of late have been light and barely equal to the demand, with tho result that any consignments of good, bright, heavy oaten sheaf meet a ready sale at values which can be quoted firm at late rates. Best oaten sheaf, £4 10s to £4 12s 6d ; choice, to £4 15s; medium to good, £4 to £4 7s 6d per ton (sacks extra). MELBOURNE HIDE SALES. MELBOURNE, December 7. At the hide sales to-day there were moderate supplies and excellent competition,_ at prices f Lilly id dearer, especially for heavies. RABBITSKIN SALE. The Dunedin Woolbrokers' Association elcssrs Dalgety and Co., A. Moritzson and 0., National Mortgage and Agency Company, New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Otago Farmers' Co-opera-tive Association, Donald Reid and Co., Stronach, Morris, and Co., and Wright, Stephenson, and Co.) reports as follows: Good-sized catalogues were offered at yesterday's sale, when, in sympathy with the recent London sales, there was a sharp rise in prices, and local values advanced from 3d to 6d per lb on low-grade skins. 6d to 9d on medium grades, and 9d to Is per lb on winter grades, while furriers' sorts showed an increase of from Is to per lb on the quotations of a fortnight ago. Prices ruled as follows: —First winter does. 62d to 70d per lb; second winter does, 45d to 61d ; outgoing winter does, 30d to 44d; first winter bucks, 40d to M%d; second winter bucks, 36d to 44^d; outgoing winter bucks, 26d to 35d : springs. 18d to 22£d: incomings, 30d to 45? d; autumn, 27d to 29|d; racks, 15d to 17-id. Winter blacks sold at up to 82d. Horsehair, to 18£d. OTAGO FARMERS' HORSE BAZAAR, Tho Otago Farmers Co-operative Association of New Zealand report: —Our weekly horse sale was held in our bazaar on Saturday last, when we offered, in conjunction with our weekly sale, the whole of the~ horses and contracting plant in the estate of Messrs Greig Mitchell, and Co., in liquidation. There was a very large attendance, town carriers, contractors, and farmers being well represented. The first lot in the estate to be offered was a section containing 10 poles, at Musselburgh, together with a stable. This was started at £SO, and was eventually knocked down at £76. The horses also commanded a good deal of attention, and bidding was fairly keen. The highest price realised was £3O 10s, for a seven-year - old gelding. The harness and drays and sundries also met a good sale, and realised highly satisfactory prices. Other consignments came from Milton, Sandymount, Canterbury, Taieri, and tho districts surrounding Dunedin. Messrs Young Bros., of Sandymount, had forward a pair of nice three-year-old vanners, which realised £2O and £l7 10s respectively. The consignment of light horses from the north met only a middling sale, but this is not to be wondered at considering the present state of the light horse market We quote : Good young draught mares and geldings, £27 to £3O; extra good young geldings, .fit for shaft or lorry work, £3O to £35; ordinary draught mares and geldings, £2O to £25; aged draughts to £l6; good spring van mares and geldings, £lB to £24 ; spring-carters, £l4 to £l8; upstanding harness horses, £lO to £l3; hacks and ponies,. £4 to £B. PROPERTY SALES. Messrs Tamblyn, M'Kenzie, and Winton report having recently effected tho following salo of properties by private treaty: — On account of Mr Sutherland, part sections 13 and 14, block 4, Regent Bark, St. Kilda, with new bungalow; part section 6, block 31, St. Kilda; section 3, of section 11, block 14, Royal Crescent, Musselburgh, with bungalow residence; sections 35 and 36, Extension No. 2, St. Clair; section 13, block 6, Regent Park, St. Kilda, with new bungalow residence; part sections 8 and 9, block 7, Regent Park, St. Kilda, with new bungalow residence; sections 27, 47, 55, 84, 85, 99, and 100, township_ of Wharfdale, Macandrew's Bay, to various buyers; section 29, township of Macandrew's, North-East Harbour; on account of Mr Vickery, 14 acres freehold at Fiagstaff; on account of Mr Fairbairn, 107 acres freehold, Taieri Beach, with crops and improvements, also his freehold farm of 358 acres, Feirndale, Taieri Beach, with improvements, crops, etc.; on acount of Mr Hawke, his freehold farm of 236 acres, Morton Mains, with crops and improvements; on account of Mr Macdonald, his leasehold dairy farm of 50 acres at Henley, with crops, stock, eto.; on account of Mr Anderson, section 1, block 7, Wylie's Crossing; part sections 8 and 11, Henley Estate, with improvements ; leasehold dairy farm of 36 acrcs_ at Henley, with improvements, live stock, implements, etc., as a going concern; 10 acres freehold, being section 14, Deborah Bay, Port Chalmers, with improvements; section 19, block VII, Portobcllo district, containing 10 acres at Broad Bay, with improvements.

previous weeK : —• Victorian 4’s Nov. 30. ... 03J Dec. 7 925 Victorian Si’s ... 835 812 Victorian 35’s * ... ... ... 70J 70s Victorian 3’s 62J 61J New South Wales 4’s ... 83J 82 New South Wales 3 .Vs ... og 96 New South Wales 3’s ... en* 605 Now South Wales 3J’s t ... 712 70J Queensland 4’s ... 88 86J Queensland 3J’s ... 855 844 Queensland 3’s ... C3 C2 South Australian 3J’s ... ... 734 714 South Australian 3’s ... 68J 58 New Zealand 4’s . „ ... 84J 84J New Zealand 3J’s 73 712 New Zealand 3’s ... 034 634 Tasmanian -Si’s ... 72g 71 Tasmanian S’s ... 68 65 West Australian Si’s ... ... 7oi 754 West Australian 3’s ... 70| 70