COMMERCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3276, 27 December 1916, Page 24

COMMERCIAL.

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS. SYDNEY, December 21. Oats. —Algerian feeding, 2s 6d to 2s 8d; milling, 2s 8d; Tasmanian white, 2s 9d to 3s. Barley, 3s to 3s 6d. Maize, 3s 8d to 3s 9d. Potatoes: Tasmanian, £l4 ss; Onions, £lO to fill. ADELAIDE, December 21. Oats, la lid! to 2s. OAMARU STOCK MARKET. CFbom Oca Own Correspondent.) OAMARU, December 23. Two things have operated to reduce the volume of business in the stock market this week. Tho first of these is that the brokers have been busily engaged in connection with the reception of wool in preparation for the coining examination, classification, and pricing of wool by experts acting on behalf of the Imperial Government, which will, it is understood, take place shortly after the close of the holiday period. But the main factor in arresting business in the stock market has been the continuance of rainless, hot, and drying weather, which has greatly changed the feed prospects. Everywhere, even in the interior, the country is putting on an ominous mantle of brown, and tho outlook at present in regard to feed is far from encouraging, and farmers, who are admittedly understocked in normal conditions, are refraining from adding to their flocks, and possibly to their future anxieties. A good rain would quickly transform the outlook, but, though occasional showers of a tantalisingly brief nature are occasionally experienced the needed rain in earnest comes not. A few sales of sheep are reported, but these do not include any transaction of importance. A few lines of sound-mouthed ewes in tho wool, with lambs, changed hands at 23s 6d, all counted, and a line of four and six-tooth half bred station wethers found a buyer at 21s for February-March delivery. The only sale of cattle reported is one of a line of fat cows at £lO 10s.

SOUTHLAND STOCK MARKET. (From Our Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, December <&. Business in stock has slackened off considerably during the past week as far as volume is concerned, especially in store sheep and cattle, no doubt owing to the lessened demand from outside provinces. North Canterbury is in a fairly bad way as regards weather, but at the time of writing it is understood a fair amount of rain has fallen, and, if this is so, the good demand from this province a month ago is bound to come on again with the forwarding of a fair number of stock. On the other hand, if tho rain is not sufficient, a large quantity of forward buyers will have to find purchasers in Southland, probably at prices considerably less than it was originally purchased for. As regards Southland, feed is plentiful, and we are in a position to hold all our own stock. This season has been a really good one as far as feed is concerned, and prospects of fattening sheep and cattle are first-class. Values for fat stock will certainly continue good, and the province should have a good clearance of the forward stuff. The works are to open in January, and a good deal of space has already been taken. Fat cattle have seen a rise during the week of Is 6d per 1001 b. Values are as follow:—Fat cattle: Ox beef, 46s to 46s 6d; heifer beef, 44s to 455; cow beef, 42s to 435. Fat sheep: Extra heavy butchers' wethers, 43s to 475; prime, 40s to 425; prime ewes, 35s to 365; medium, 26s to 28s, all in tho wool; prime wethers, shorn, 30s to 325; prime ewes, shorn, 24s to 265. Store sheep: Very little business in ewes; good inquiry for forward lambs at 18s to 19s; two-tooth ewes, shorn, 28s to 29a; two-tooth wethers, shorn, 23s to 245; tussock ewes, 27s to 28s ; tussock lambs, 16s od t~* 18s; two-tooth wethers ,in the wool,

33s to 355; four and six-tooth wethers, in tho wool, 38s to 395; mixed ages, ewes and lambs, sound-mouthed, all counted. 21s 6d to 235; failing-mouthed ewes and lambs, _ all counted, in the wool, 19s to 20s; mixed sexed hoggets, in the wool, 35s to 365; ewe hoggets, to 375; wether hoggets, 33s to 345. Store cattle: 3£-year-old bullocks, £l2 15s to £l4; three years old, £ll 10s to £l3; 2i years old, £lO 15s to £l2; two years old, £9 10s to £11; 18 months, £7 10s to £8; yearlings, £5 10s to £6.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET. CHRISTCHURCH, December 20

At the Addington market to-day there were double entries of stock, as there will be no sale in the yards next week, and the yardings were large, and store sheep were much slacker in demand, and a largo proportion was passed in, tho continued dry weather seriously affecting the. prospect of graziers. There was a very large yarding of fat lambs, the only buyers being butchers, who were paying an average of about Bgd per lb over all, which was above the exportlevel. Fat cattle were easier, as the butchers required only short supplies, but some business was done for export There was a largo yarding of fat sheep, and they opened very firm, prices continuing at last week's level. Store cattle again sold well. Fat pigs improved, but stores were easier. Store Sheep.—Two-tooth wethers, 18s 6d to 27s Id; two, four, and six-tooth wethers, 20s Id to 27s 6cl; four and six-tooth wethers, 22s 2d to 31s Id; six and eight-tooth wethers, 19s Id to 20s 6d; merino wethers, mixed ages, lis Id; two-tooth ewes, 25s 9d to 31a; two and four-tooth ewes, 30s; four and sixtooth ewes, 30s; four, six, and eight-tooth ewes, 22s to 265.

Fat Lambs. —Prime lambs, 253 6d to 32s 6d; medium, 21s 6d to 255; lighter, 17s lid to 21s.

Fat Sheep.—Woolly wethers, 465: prime wethers, 31s to 40s; lighter wethers, 24s to 30s; merino wethers, 18s 3d to 23s 4d; prime ewes, 23s to 36s 6d; lighter ewes, 22s to 27s 6d; merino ewes, 18s 9d. Fat Cattle.—Extra prime steers, to £23 12s 6d; prime steers, £l4 10s to £l9 10s; ordinary steers, £l2 17s 6d to £l4 • extra prime Heifers, £l6 15s; prime hoifers, £ll to £l3; ordinary heifers, £lO 5s to £lO 15s; prime cows, £ll 10s to £l4 10s; ordinary cows, £8 2s 6d to £ll. Store Cattle.—Yearlings, £1 17s 6d; 15 to 18 months, £5 2s 6d to £5 10s; two-year steers, £6 12s 6d; two-year heifers, £6 ss; three-year steers, £9 Is; three-year heifers, £9; dry cows, £6 10s to £lO 7s 6d; dairycows, £7 to £l6 10s. Pigs.—Choppers, £3 10s to £4 10s; baconers, £3 5s to £4 10s, equal to 6gd to 7d per lb; porkers, 38s to 555, equal to 8d to B£d per lb; medium stores, 40s to 45s 6d; smaller, 28s to 345; weaners, 13s to 18s.

LIVE STOCK MARKEI l!urnside, Wednesday, December 20. Fat Cattle.—The yarding consisted of 230 fat cattle, a large proportion of which was primo quality. Prime bullocks sold at from £l9 to £22; medium do, at from £l6 to £18; light and inferior, from £l3 to £ls 10s. Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Air J. Brown (Waitapeka), 1 heifer at £l9, 1 bullock at £l9 15s. 1 do at £lB Ss, 1 heifer at £l4 2s 6d, 1 do at £lO 12s 6d, 1 cow at £9 17s 6d; Mr William Lindsay, sen. (Allanton), 1 bullock at £ls 10s, 1 heifer at £ll. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Ltd.) yarded 19, and sold: For Mr W. Bryant (Wylie's Crossing), 2 bullocks at £l9 2s 6d, 1 do at £lB 17s 6d, 2 do at £lB ss, 3 do at £l7 15s; a client, 1 heifer at £ls 7s 6d, 1 do at £l4 10s, 6 do at £l2 7s 6d, 1 pen bullocks at £l2 17s 6d; Mrs W Kirk (Mayfield), 2 heifers at £l2 10s. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.) yarded 75, and sold: For a country client, 3 bullocks at £22, 3 do at £2l 17s 6d, 3 do at £l9 12s 6d, 3 do at £lB ss, 3 do at £l7 17s 6d, 8 do up to £l6 17s 6d; Mr Simon Wright (Balclutha), 2 bullocks at £l9, 2 do at £lB 15s, 2 do at £lB 7s 6d, 3 do at £l7 17s 6d; Mrs W. Kirk (Mosgiel), 2 bullocks at £2O 12s 6d; a client, 2 bullocks at £2l, 2 do at £lB 15s: Mr D. Andrew (Mosgiel), 2 bullocks at £l9 2s 6d; Mr Walter Blackie, sen. (Pomona) 2 bullocks at £l2 2s 6d; a client. 2 bullocks at £l3 10s, 1 heifer at £l6 12s 6d, 22 heifers and cows up to £l2 ss; Mr W. Lindsay, jun. (Allanton), 1 bullock at £ls ss, 1 heifer at £8 10s; Mr' R. Crawford (Kelso), 1 cow .at £l3 17s 6d, 3 cows at £ll 2s 6d; Mr W. Holt (Kelso), 1 oow at £9 2s 6d, 1 heifer at £7 17s 6d. Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Mr William Thomson (Bank, Maungatua), 2 bullocks at £2O 15s, 1 heifer at £7 2s 6d; a client, 2 bullocks at £l7 2s 6cl; executors of the late William Kirk, 1 bullock at £l7 10s, 1 heifer at £l2 ss; Mr J. Hicks (Dunraymond), 3 bullocks at £l4 10s; Mr Walter Blackie, sen (Pomona, Mosgiel), 2 bullocks at £l6 15s; Mr John Kirk (Mosgiel), 1 cow at £l2 7s 6d, 1 heifer at £ll 12s 6d; Mr Joseph M'Neill (Momona), 1 cow at £l3, 1 heifer at £l2; Mr A. Scott, 1 heifer at £6; Mr J. Hicks (Dunraymond), 2 cows at £l2 12s 6d, 1 do at £l3 2s 6d, 1 do at £lO 2s 6d. -Stronach, Morris, and Co. (Ltd.) yarded 42, and sold: For Mr J. Smith (Kelso), 3 bullocks at £l9, 1 do at £lB 2s 6d, 3 do at £l7 15s, 1 do at £l7 2s 6d; Mr W. Lindsay, sen. (Momona), 2 bullocks at £l7 17s 6d, 2 do to £l7 ss, 2 do at £l7, 4 do at £l6 17s 6d, 2 do at £ls, 3 heifer* at £lO 2s 6d j Mr J. M'Leod (Tapanui), 1 cow at £ls, 1 do at £l2 15s, 2 do at £7 ss; executors late W. Kirk (Mayfield), 2 heifers at £l3; Mr R. Marshall (Seacliff), 1 bullock at £ll 10s, 1 do at £ll 7s 6d, 2 heifers at £9 17s 6d; Mr W. Blackie (Taieri), 1 bullock at £l3; Mr D. B. M'Donald (Tapanui), 2 cows at £l3 ss. 1 heifer at £lO 15s; Mr D. O'Comicll (Seacliff), 1 heifer at £l3, 1 do at £lO 7s 6d; Mr A. Scott (Arngibbon), 1 bullock at £l2 15s, 1 heifer at £l2 12s 6d— — The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr Phil Clcnt (Balclutha), 1 bullock at £23 ss, 2 do at £23 2s 6d. 1 do at £2l 17s 6d, 1 heifer at £lB 10s; Messrs Clent and Anderson, 2 bullocks at £2O 17s 6d, 2 do at £l9 12s 6d. 2 do at £lB 10s. 4 do at £lB ss, 2 do at £l7 15s; Mr W. Kirk (Taieri), 2 do at £lB 12s 6d; Mr W. J. J. Charters (Ury Park. Mosgiel), 2 bullocks at £l7 10s, 4 do at £l6 2s 6d, 2 do at £ls 15s; Mr W Blackie (Pomona), 1 bullock at £l6 17s 6d, 1 do at £l4 7s 6d; Mr G. Johnston. 2 cows at £ls 2s 6(1, 2 do at £l3. The National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Mr S. Wright (Balclutha), 2 bullocks at £lB 12s 6d, 2 do at £lB 7s 6d. 5 do at £l6 12s 6d; Mr R. Kirk (Mosgiel), 2 bullocks at £l6 15s; Mr Walter Blackie (Mosgiel), 2 bullocks at £l6 15s; Mr J. Hicks (Dunraymond), 3 bullocks to £l7 ss, 3 do at £l6 ss, 3 do at £l6 12s 6d. 1 do at £ls 2s 6d. 1 cow at £ls, 1 do at £l2 12s 6d. Store Cattle.—349 yarded. The sale showed a decline of from 5s to 10& a head.

Dalgety and Co. varded and sold: For Mr J. Browne, 1 cow "at £9 12s 6d. 1 do at £lO ss; a client. 1 cow at £lO lis, 1 do at £9, 1 do at £6; Mr Wm. Lindsay, sen (Allanton), 1 co.v at £lO 15-s. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Ltd.) varded and sold: For a client, 12 steers at £lO ss, J 3 do at £8 12s 6cl, 6 heifers at £3 2s 6d, 1 cow at £7 10s; Mr A J. lugs (Tomahawk), 1 heifer at £ll ss, 1 bull at £9 ss; Mr Geo. M'Donald (Mosgiel), 2 bullocks at £l3 lis, 1 do at £lO. 9 steers at £7 15s, 8 heifers at £7 10s; Mi F. Johnson (Henley), 2 vealers at £3. Wright, Stephenson, and Co, (Ltd.) yftrded 60, end sold: For Mr John Kirk (Mosgiel), 2 cows at £11; Mr Geo. Henry 'Oamaru', 1 cow at £9 13s; a client, 1 cow at £lO, 6 do at up to £9 3s, 1 heifer at £7 ss, 1 buil at £6, 6 heifers at £9 10s; Mr W. Race, 1 cow at £3, 1 calf at £2 2s, 1 heifer at £5 10s, 3 cows at £4 18s, 1 bull at £4 10s, 1 heifer at £6 12s 6d ; Mr C. Pickering (Port Chalmers), 3 heifers at £6 10a; Mr R. H. Fairbairn (Woodsido), 2 cows at £8 ss, 1 calf at £3 10s, Ido at £2 16s; Mr A. Porterfield (N.E. Harbour), 1 heifer at £4 18s 6d; Mr A. J. Ings (Tomahawk), 1 stag at £6 10s; a client, 1 steer at £8 17s 6d, 4 steers at £7 ss, 1 cow at £7 2s, 1 do at £6 Is, 5 steers and heifers at up to £6, 1 heifer at £6 •tfs, 1 bull at £l4 12s 6d. Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Messrs John Neil and Sons (Glenore). 7 heifers at £5 Bs, 1 do at £3; Mr K. M'Kenzie (Port Chalmers), 1 cow at £3 9s, 2 yearlings at £2 10s; Mr Wm. Thomson (Maungatua), 1 steer at £3 10s; a client, 1 steer at £9 17s 6d, 1 bull at £ll 12s 6d, 1 cow at £6 10s; Mr J. W. Lamont (Sawyers' Bay), 1 cow at £9 Bs, 2 do at £5; Mr F. G. Hood (Sawyers' Bay), 1 bull at £ll 12s 6d; Mr Janies Gow, 3 cows at £9, 1 heifer at £5 14s, 1 do at £4 10s; Mr John Wilson (Maori Hill), 1 vealer at £3 7s. Stronaoh, Morris, and Co. (Ltd. )_ yarded and sold: For Mr A. Scott (Arngibbon), 12 heifers at £7 15s, 2 cows at £lO 9s, 2 do at £9 Is, 1 vealer at £2 10s; Mr R. Marshall (Seacliff), 1 bull at £6 17s 6d, 8 yearlings at £5 6s, 1 vealer at £2 15s; Mr J. M'Gill (Waikouaiti), 2 heifers at £4 8s; Mr H. Palmer (Otokiaj, 1 heifer at £lO 2s, 1 bull at £9 ss; Mr D. O'Connell (Seacliff), 6 cows at £8 6s; Messrs North Bros. (Oamaru), 12 heifers at £6 14s; Mr P. Toomey (Waikouaiti), 1 bull at £8 10s, 1 do at £5 2s 6d; Mr D. B. M'Donald (Tapanui), 1 bull at £6 15s. The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Mr Fred. Botting (Caversham), 14 cows at £9; Mr W. J. J. Charters (Ury Park, Taieri), 1 cow at £ll Is. 1 vealer at £3; Mr C. Gamble (East Taieri), 1 cow at £6, 1 do at £5; Mr Wm, Lindfeay, jun. (Allanton), 1 cow at £9 7s 6d; Mr Geo. Gilles (Lookout Point), 1 cow at £5 12s 6d; Mr P. H. Clent (Balclutha), 1 heifer at £8 ss, 1 do at £6 17s 6d, 1 vealer at £6 17s 6d, 1 do at £4 Is; Mr W. Christie (Allanton), 1 bull at £6 15s; Mr Geo. M'Leod (Momona), 1 bull at £6 15s; Mr Tom Flannery (Wylie's Crossing), 1 bull at £5 10s. v

Dairy Cows. —Prime cows and heifers sold at £l6 to £18; extra to medium, £ll to £ls. Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.; yarded and sold: For Mr Kempshell (Maungatua), 1 cow at £8 2s 6d; Mr A. Love (Abbotsford), 1 cow at £lO 17s 6d. Wright, Stephenson and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold seven: For Mr C. Pickering (Port Chalmers), 1 cow at £ll 10s, 1 do at £11; Mr J. O'Connell (Mornington), 1 cow at £10; a client, 1 cow at £8 ss. 1 heifer at £6 2s 6d; Mr D. Andrew (Mosgiel), 1 heifor at £8 10s; Messrs Casey and Miller (Sawyers Bay). 1 cow at £5 15s.

Calves.— Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Mr Brown, 1 calf at £3 2s; Mr A. Love. 1 at 255.-I—New 1 —New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr A. Ralston (Allanton), 1 at. 20s; Mr F. Johnson (Henley). 4 to 19s; Messrs Lochhead, Thompson, and Scott (Henley), 9 at current rates. Wright. Stephenson and Co (Ltd.) yarded and sold 19: For Mre M. J. Nicholson (Caversham), 1 calf at 40s; Mr A. J. Irigs 1 calf at 30s, 1 oalf at 245; Miss J. Harvey (Woodside), 1 calf at 325; Mr H. Dunn (North-East Valley), 1 calf at 295; Mr T. Fleming (Sandymount). 1 calf at 30s; Mr T. Little '(Stirling), 1 calf at 21s; Mr Geo. Fox (Pine Hill). 1 calf at 225, 3 calves vm to-15s; Mr E. Ellwood (Pine Hill). 1 calf at 13s; Mr R. Mathicson (Tomahawk), 4 calves at up to 8s 6d; Mr R. H. Fairbairn (Woodside), 1 calf at 13s 6d; Messrs Casoy and Miller (Sawyers Bay), 1 calf at 8s 6d. Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For R. Grealish (Milton), Craigio and Co. (Andersjn Bay). T. Johnston (Henley). T. Barela.v, jun. (Green Island), Miss Campbell (Woodside); J. C'arruthers (Maifngafcua). John Gamble (Wylio's Crossing). Rev. Kilpatrick (Green Island). Kedzlio Bros. (Halfway Bush). S. Robinson (Mornington). K. M'Keffg. oalves to 355. Stronach, Morris and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Mr R, Marshall (Seacliff). 1 calf at 425. 1 do at 41s, 1 do at 40s; Mr T Thomson (The Pines). 1 calf at £2 5s- Mrs W. Guy (Mosgiel), 1 calf at £1 16s; Mr A. Scott (Am gibbon), 1 calf nt 255; Mr A. Dickson (Kuri Bush), 1 calf at 295; Mr T. Marshal! (Mornington), 1 calf at 275; Mrs M'Gittigen (Mosn-iel). 1 calf at 255; Mr R. Johnson (The Willows), 1 calf at 32s 6d; Mr J. J. Walker (Seacliff). 1 calf at 15s. 1 do nt lis, 1 do at 5s The Otaaro Farmers' Co-op<rative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr G. Gillies (Look-out Point), Mr Phil Clent (Balclutha). Mrs Brycc (Mosgiel). Mrs R. Hastie (Halfway Bush), Mr W. Christie (Allanton\ Mr A. Gillespie (Momona). Mr Wm. J. J. Charters (Ury Park). Mr H. M'Kinnon (Mornington). Mr IT. Gamble (Mosjriel), Mr Jas. Watson (Outr.im) Messrs Lviin Bros. (Wvlie's Crossing). Mr D A. Smith (Henlev). Mr W. S. Hall (Hii?holiff). Mr T. G. Mar wick (Ta>'cri), Mr T. Fleming (Sandymount), calves and ven.lers to 45s

Fat Sheep.—The yarding consisted _ of 1749 fat wethers and ewes—a fair yarding. Competition was good, and prices were up about Is 6d a head. Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.) varded and sold: For Mr R.~ Mitchell (Portobcllo), 35 owes at 34s 9d, 15 do at 33s 3d, 22 wethers at 36s 9d, 25 do at 355, 33 do at 34s 3d; Mr Stiffens (Oamaru), 14 wethers at 38s, 19 do at 33s 3d, 10 ewes at 31s 6d; Mr E. H. Murney (Tapanui), 17 ow<?s at 30s 6d, 22 do at 30s, 16 wethers at 33s 6d, 9 ewes at 29s 6d. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. (Ltd.) penned 338, and sold: For Mr F. Johnson (Henlev), 11 woolly wethers at 43s 3d, 1 pen do at 425; Mr Thos. Gawn (Mosgiel). 20 wethers at 37s 6d; Mr Richard Mitchell (Portobcllo) 14 wethers at 37s 3d, 13 do at 34s 9d; Mr John Harris, jun. (Edicvale). 6 wethers at 375, 30 do at 35s 6d, 22 do at 34s 3d, 8 do at 32s 6d; Mr D. A. Drinnan (Milburn), 1 pen ewes at 365, 1 pen wethers at 31s 3d, 1 pen owes at 263 9d; Mr A. Jane, sen. (Clinton), 23

wethere at 35s 3d, 23 do at, 33s 9d; Mr N. M'Ritchie (Heriot), 33 wothors at 34s 9d, 34 do at 345; Mr A. Grant (Riverside), 1 pen ewes at 34s 3d; Mr A. Wcstlakc (Ngapara). 29 wethers at 33s 3d, 19 do at 31s 3d, 1 pen ewes at 325. 10 merino wethers at 23s 9d; Mr A. Anicich (Milbiirn), 27 wethers at 335. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.) yarded 510, and sold: For Mr H. S. Orbell (Oamaru), 71 wothors up to £2 2s 6d, 19 owes up to 38s 6d> Mr R. Mitchell (Portobello) 17 wethers at 38s; Messrs M'Gillivray Bros. (Kelso). 58 wethers up to 37s 9d; Mr Goo. Stuart (Brooksdale), 63 wethers up to 30s; Mr A. Moynihan (Allanton), 42 ewes up to 345; Mr C. Cross (Poatiri), 12 ewes at 27s 9d. Donald Reid and Co. yarded and sold: For Mr Sirnort Wright (Baldutha), 35 wethers at 35», 15 do at 34s 3d, 15 do at 35s 9d; Mr A. Scott (Burnside), 20 wethers at 36s 3d, 15 do at 31s 3d, 12 do at 37s 6d: Mr James France (Milton), 11 ewes at 435; Messrs Gibson Bros. (North Taieri), pen ewes at 355; Mr Duncombo (Alexandra) 18 ewes at 26s 9d, 4 do at 20s; Mr R. Culler. (Allanton), 7 ewes at 345; Mr R. Mitchell (Portobello), 27 wethers at 34s 3d. Stronach, Morris, and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Mr A. Scott (Arngibbon), 22 wethers at 36s 9d, 8 do at 34s 9d; Mr R. Mitchell (Portobello), 44 wethers at 355, 22 do at 33s 9d, 27 do at 34s 9d, 2 ewes at 32s 9d ; Mr W. Blackio (Taieri), 5 ewes at 28s, 1 wether at 18s. The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of • New Zealand (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr Wm. Grey (Milburnj, 10 wethers at 39s 9d, 16 do at 375; Mr John Byars (Waikaka), 32 wethers at 35s 9d, 35 do at 34s 9d; Mr Mark Finch (Milton), a pen of ewes at 33s 3d; Mr A. M'Millan, 34 wethers and 4 ewes at 31s; Mr M. Finch (Milton), a pen of wethers at 36s 6d; Mr J. P. Gardiner (Green Island), 59 wethers at 21s 3d, 55 ewes at 255, 3 wethers at 30s, 2 ewes at 31s; Mr Thos. Henderson (Green Island), a pen of ewes and wethers at 436, a pen of ewes at 30s; Mr James Cannon, a pen of ewes at 34s 9d, J. ram at 255; Mr W. Tweedie (Milton), a pen of ewes at 33s 3d. The National Mortgage and Agency Company of Now Zealand (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr S. Wright (Balclutha), 31 wethers (shorn) at 36s 6d, 25 do at 34s 9d, 9 do at 31s 9d; Mr R, Mitchell (Portobello), 28 wethers (shorn) at 35s 6d, 27 do at 355, 28 do at 34s 6d, 4 ewes at 345, sdo at 31s 6d; a south client. 31 wethers (shorn) at 33s 9d, 31 do at 31s 6d, 19 do at 29s 9d, 32 do at 31s; Mr J. Hicks (Dunraymond). 10 wethers (shorn) at 30s 6d, 49 do at 23s 9d, 8 ewes at 27s 3d. Fat Lambs.—The yarding consisted of 812 lambs. Competition was verv keen, and prices were up about 3s per head. Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Mr Macandrew (Portobello), 23 at 28s, 12 at 27s 9d, 10 at 25s 6d, 6 at 25s 6d; Mr Stiffens (Oamaru), 7 at 28s 3d, 15 at 26s 3d. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Ltd.) penned and sold 230: For Messrs Tangnoy Bros. (Morven), 24 at 28s 3d, 22 at 26s 9d,' 23 at 225; Mr A. Jane, sen. (Clinton), 19 at 28s : Mr F. Johnson (Henley), 20 at 28s; Mrs W. Kirk (Mayfield), 18 at 27s 9d; Mr W. Kain (Henley), 23 at 27s 6d. 24 at 25s 9d, 16 at 25s 6d, 19 at 24s 6d; Mr J. A. Strain (Milburn), 13 at 26s 6d ; Mr D. A. Diinnan (Milburn), 8 at 25s 3d. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold 163: For Mr Walter Blackio, een. (Pomona), 10 at 31s 3d; Mr C. Cross (Poatiri), 6 at 30s 9d. 17 up to 28s 6d; Mrs W. Kirk (Mosgiel), 18 at 29s 9d ; Mr R. Cullen (Allanton), 26 up to 25s 9d; Mr J. Macdonald (Omakau), 45 up to 25s 3d ; Mr James Corrigall (Omakau), 36 up to 18s. Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold; For Mr Walter Blackio (Mosgiel), 10 to 28s 6d; Messrs Gibson Bros. (North Taieri), 21 to 28s 9d; Mr Duncombe (Alexandra), 53 to 225; Mr J. Stanger (Clarendon), 33 to 26s 9d; Mrs Ann Inglis (Milton), 10 at 275; Mr H. Salmond (Milton), 20 to 28s 6d; Mr P. Williamson (Milburn), 4 at 29s 3d; Mr M. Finch (Milton), 13 to 293 6d; Mr O. Scott (Taieri Beach), 5 at 30s 9d: Alessrs Raite Bros. (Milburn), 4 at 31s 9d; Mr J. France (Milton), 22 to 31s; Messrs Carter Bros. (Saddle Hill), 5 at 32a 6d. The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr T. Henderson (Abbotsford), 4 at 335, 17 at 27s 3d, 6 at 30s, 73 at 26s 9d, 13 at 26s 3d, 15 at 25s 3d, 19 at 255, 22 at 255, 7 at 22s 3d; Mr James Bruce (Milton), 2 at 32s 6d, 10 at 28s; Mr William Finch (Milburn), 5 at 28s 9d; Mr J. P. Gardiner (Green Island), 1 at 29s 3d, 10 at 255, 4 at 235; Mr M. Finch (Milton), 8 at 26s 9d; Mr W. Tweedie (Milton), 4 at 27s 6d; Mr P. Williamson (Milburn), 4 at 265; Mr James Cannon (Clarksville), 1 at 24s 9d, Mr Walter Blackie (East Taieri), 10 at 28s. The National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr Walter Blackie (Mosgiel), 6 at 30s, 4 at 28s.

Pigs.—A fair yaiding came to hand, for which there was keen competition, and_ late rates for all classes were will maintained. There was a medium yarding of stores, and last week's high rates were hardly maintained.—Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.) sold: For Mr Goo. Donaldson (Leith Valley), 2 pigs at £4 14s 6d; a client, 2 pigs at £4 15s, 2 do at £4 10s; Mr R. H. Fairbairn (Woodside), 1 pig at £3 19s.—— Donald Reid and Co. (Ltd.) yarded and sold- For M.r G. Patrick (Stirling), 2 piga at £4 18s; Mr J. Gow (Mosgiel), 3 pigs at £4; Mr D. Andrew (Mosgiel), 1 pig at £4 16s; Mr J. O'Connell (Mornington), 1 pig at £3 19s; Mrs Murdoek, 1 pig at £4 2s, 1 do at £4; Mr A. Rattray (Saddle Hill), 1 pio- at £4 12s; Mr II .C. Clark (Halfway Bush), 1 pig at £5; Mr W. Harvio (Momomi), 4 pigs at £1 13s, 2 do at £1 lis, 3 do at £1; Mr J. Gamble (Wylie's Crossing), 4 pigs at 255; Mr J. Walker (Otokia), 3 pigs at 18s. Stronach, Morris, and Co. (Ltd.) yarded 31, and sold: For The Seacliff Mental Hospital. 1 pig at £4 12s, 1 do at £4 8s 1 do at £3 19s 6d, 7 do at £3 19s, 2 do at £3 17s. 2 do at £3 16s, 4 do at £3 lis 6d; a client, 1 pig at £4 Is; Mrs J. Armstrong (Mosgiel), 2 pigs at £4 14s; Mr J M'Granther (Warrington), 1 pig at £4 13s; Mr F. Thomson (The Pines), 6 weaners at 33s 6d, 2 do at 31s.——The Ota°o Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr Win. Kirkland (Elm Grove. East Taieri), 2 baconers at £5; Mr J. J. Charters (Ury Park). 2 baconers at £3 13s, 2 do at £3 2s 6d- Mr A. Dick (Poatiri), 1 baconer nt £4 6s, 1 do at £4; Mr J. W. Thomson (Taieri), 2 porkers at £2 15s; Mr J. Donaldson (Leith Valley), 1 baconer a.t £4 : Mr Wm. Kirkland (Elm Grove), 8 suckers at up to 25s 6d; Mr W. T. Conner (Brighton), 3 baconers at £4 10s. Tho National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand (Ltd.) penned and sold: For Mr A. Brock (Opoho), 2 baconers at £4 7s. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Ltd.) yarded and sold: For Mr Robt. Lyall (Henley), 2 pigs at £4; Benevolent Institution (Caversham), 2 pigs at £4.

[The individual reports of stock agents, wool rabbitakin, or grain brokers can be Inserted in the Otago Daily Times and Otago Witness at special rates/]

r>TTNI=DIN WEEKLY MARFCET REPORT Messrs A. Moritzsor, and Co., auctioneers, wool stock, station, grain, produce, and cornmission agents. Dunedin, report (wholesale for the week as under. All quotations are subject to market fluctuations. Farmer* aro ask«l. when sending samples, always to put o price on thorn, as buyers do not feel inclined to innfee offers : Barley—Prime malting, 5s 3d to 5s 6d on truck; feed barley, <la to 4a Gel; Cape barley, 6s to os yd. „, ,i Wheat.—Prime milling, 6s to Gs 6d; fowl wheat, 5a Id to 5s 3d. , . ■, Oata.—Stilling, 3s 2d to 3s 3d; gotf<i i* ed > 2s lOtl to 3s. ' Maize (sacks extre).—sa 6d (old crop)Chaff.—Good, bright, and heavy. £1 us l 0 £± 10b; medium, £3 10a to £i 15s. Straw.—Wheaten, £2 10s; oaten, £3._ Hay.—Clover and ryegrass. £5 to S"y 59. Ryegrass.—Farmers' dressed, 5s to us 80, light weights. 4s to 4a Gd; machine dressed, 6s 6d to 7s Gd; Italian, 7s 6d to Bs. Cocksfoot.—lid to Is, f.0.b., Akaroa; machined seed, Is 3d to Is 4d. , Chewings Fescue.—Farmers' dressed, lid to sd; machine dressed, 7d to Bd. Onions.—Melbourne, £l2 10s to £l3 10s. Potatoes.— £3 to £9; new season's, 2jd to 2|d per lb. Salt Butter.—ls 2d to Is 3d; separator, Is 2d to Is 3d; storekeepers' pats, Is to la Id. Cheese.—Factory, lOd to lid. Honey.—Section honey, 9s per dozen; bulk, Bhd .to Gd. Jib pats, 3s 9d to 4s dozen; lib pats, 7s dozen; lOib tins, ss. Walnuts—Od to lOd. Eggs.—Storekeepers', Is 2d; stamped, Is to la 3d. Beeswax.—ls 4d to Is od. Pigs.—6,'id to 6|d for porkers; baconers, 7d to 7id. Hams.—ls to Is Id. Bacon.—Roll, lOd to IOJd. Storing Grain. —Wo are prepared to store, receive, deliver, and insure for three months free storage at 8d per sack. Farm Produce and Fruit.—We receive all kinds of oonsignmenls, and render account salss promptly.

CENTRAL PRODUCE MART. Roilly, Gill, and Co. report an exceptionally busy week. On Wednesday weyarded 1152 head of poultry, and experienced a keen demand, heavy consignments of fruit and produce have been coming on to the market, and wo had no difficulty in supplying our customers' orders.- High prices have been ruling. We wish all our customers and consignors a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. The following prices were secured for our consignments:—Strawberries: Jam, 8d to 9^d; desserts, Is Id to Is bid. Cherries : Jam, sd; desserts, 9d to Is Apples: Choice Winesaps, 15s oci. Bananas, 30s for choice. Lemons: Mission brand, 40s for double cases. Flowers, 13 to 2s dozen bunches. Cucumbers: Hothouse, 2s 6d to 14s 6d per dozen. Cabbage, Is to 2s 6d. Cauliflowers, 2s 6d to 4s. Lettuce, 6d, 9d, Is. Honey: Half-pound packages, 3s. Eggs: Unstamped, Is Id to Is 2d; stamped and guaranteed, Is 3d to Is 4d. Rhubarb: No sale. Onions, 14s to 16s. Tomatoes: Christchurch, Is 2d to Is s^l; locals, Is 6d to Is B£d. Green peas. 2d, 2\d, 2|d, 2|d, 3d. Green gooseberries, lid, lgd, lgd; ripe, to 5-id. New potatoes: Locals, 2id, 2fd, 3d. Beeswax, Is 4d. Tea: First tips, Is od. Butter: Prime bulk, Is l^d; pats, Is 2Ad to Is 4d. Bacon: Prime, Is 2d. Pigs: Prime baconers, 7£d; heavy weights, to 5Jd; porkers, l\d ; choppers, to 6d. Horsehair, Is 6d, Is Id, Is M Is lOd. Molasses: In tins, lis; barrels, ss_9d per cwt. Wheat pollard: Extra special, £5 15s. Oaten pollard. £6. Wheaten meal, £6 10s.. Bran, £4. Oat sheaf chaff: Wanted; choice, £5. Wheaten straw, 70s per ton. Fat, 27s 3d, 235, 28s 6d, 29s 3d, 30s, 325, 32s 6d per cwt. Meat meal, 15s per 1001 b. Fowl wheat, 5s 9d to 6s. Oats, 3s for prime A Gartons. Chevalier barley, 6s 6d. Maize : Extra prime, 6s per bushel. Rice- meal, 10s. Oaten dust, 4s per sack. Rabbitskins: Mixed, winters, bucks, to 45d; does, to 65d ; early winters, to 36d ; incomings, 33d ; autumns, 25d to 29d; summers, 8d to Is; hawked and milky, to 16id. Hides: Good ox hides, l2|d; good cow hides. 9d to ll|d ; cut and slippy from 6d to lOd. Calfskins: Good, lid to 13d; cut and slippy, 6d to lOd. Poultry: Cockerels—27 at 2b Bd, 6 at 3s 7d; hens—2oo at Is 6d, 59 at is 7d, 26 at Is Bd, 36 at Is 9cl. 75 at Is 10d, 30 at Is lid. 137 at 2s, 14 at 2s 2d, 42 at 2s 3d, 8 at 2s 4d. 16 at 2s 7d, 7 at 2s lid; ducks—--25 at 2s 3d, 10 at 2s 4d, 6 at 2s 6d, 27 at 2s 9d. 15 at 3s; ducklings—B at Is 4d. 11 at 2s 3d, 18 at 3s 6d. 6 at 3s 9d. 9 at 3s lOd. 9 at 4s 3d; cocks—l at Is 7d. 9 at Is 9d, 2 at Is lid, 2 at 2s, 4 at 2s Id. 3 at 2s 3d, 1 at 2s 6d, 1 at 2s 7d. 1 at 3s 9d; geese—--13 at ss, 8 at 6s, 10 at 6s 9d, 5 at 7s; chickens—7o at" 3d. 29 at 9d. 45 at lOd, 10 at Is, 31 at Is Id. 13 at Is 3d, 7 at Is 6d; turkey hens—l at 7s 6d. REILLY, GILL. AND CO., Auctioneers and Commission Agents, Moray place, Dunedin. NEW ZEALAND MORTGAGE COMPANY. AUCKLAND, December 23. The directors of the New Zealand Mortgage Company will, at the annual meeting in London, on January 9, recommend a dividend at the rate of 12 per cent, per annum, less income tax; interim dividend paid in July to be deducted; £27,000 to be added to reserve, and £15,840 to be carried forward. THE BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES. The aggregate balance sheet of the Bank of New South Wales for tho half-year ended on September 30 last shows that tho net profits for the period amounted to £248,443. After provision has been made for the payment of the usual dividend, this has admitted of tho augmentation of the reserves by £50,000, and left a balance of £105,242 a' sum larger than ordinary—to be carried forward. Sir O. K. Mackellar (president of tho bank) discussed the comparative figures since September, 1914, lo show that the b uik has been pursuing a cautious policy, neither competing on the ono hand for deposits nor seeking on tho other hand to meet, by advances, more than tho actual legit:mato requirements of its clients. While the war had brought about many abnormal conditions, tho bank had bf-en able to adapt its business successfully to tho changing circumstances as they had arisen. Fortunately, tho war conditions had been accompanied, w> far as Australasia was contained, by prosperous sf-nsons luring the past year. There was ecarcely any portion of tho country that had not had a good time in respect of its primary v. ducts, and New Zealand

had also equally participated. A good deal of money had come to the credit of Australia from her various industries during the past year, and this had enabled the country to stand the strain of her heavy local war loans, which in their turn had given a certain stimulus to trade for the time being by providing a good deal of ready money for spending which otherwise would not have been available. Further, there were prospects of another good harvest, and it seemed probable, also, that grazing and other returns from the land would be maintained for the present. Ail this was helpful in making the financial position generally an easier one for the time being. But ho could not too often insist that accompanying these helpful conditions it would bo true wisdom on the part of everyone who handled financial affairs to exercise prudence in matters of expenditure. with a view to preserving a good margin for futuro possibilities. We could not say how long the war was going to last, and, furthermore, when it was over, we must expect that many adjustments of prices, as the result of channels of trade, now closed, being again available. Particular care should, Sir Charles Mackellar insisted, be exercised with regard to land values in the country, whien were too often based on the day to day prices of the products earned from the land. That was the attitude the bank itself was taking up in its business, and it is one which applied to the whole community. Summed up in a few words, it meant a steady conservation of all our resources pending tlie developments the future might have in store_ in respect of the financial situation from time to time.

T. AND G. MUTUAL LIFE SOCIETY The annual meeting of the Temperance and General Life Society took place in Melbourne recently. The new business had increased by £300.000, and amounted in all to over £3,000,000 during the year. The premium income increased by £75,000, or at the rate of £3OO per day. The total income is now £665,000, and the funds £2.250,000. There has been a further reduction in the expense ratio. The claims were considerably greater than in past years, duo to the payment of 378 policies on the lives of Australasian soldiers.

The actuary's reports showed a surplus of £78.000, notwithstanding a more stringent basis of 3 per cent, net premium valuation. He proposed to increase the bonus rate. It was reported that the society had contributed largely to the war loans, and it now holds over ono million of Government and municipal securities. The rate of interest earned had increased to £4 14s 6d per cent.

MONEY MARKET. There is little alteration to report in the local money market (says the Trade Review), the supply of funds still keeping adequate for all requirements. Our imports continue on a very heavy scale, and tor the last two months they exceed exports by £958,963. whilo for tho samo period of last year exports were in excess by £473,341. This change is due to a growth in imports of £1.231,036, and a decrease in exports of £201,268, chiefly due to shortage or vessels to carry our produce. However, this is a very short period for comparison; for the two years since tho war started our excess of exports was £21,059,599, as compared with £3,517,025 for the two years before. This has meant a tremendous influx of capital into the country, enabling the Government to raise two loan* locally aggregating nearly £13,000.000, and in spite of this mortgage rates are fairly steady at 5£ per cent, to 6 per cent. '1 ho dominion's revenue continues very buoyant, the total for the eight months ended November 30 being £8,399,452, or £1,325,000 more than for the corresponding period of lost year. As against this tho increase in expenditure' was £456,4'10. chiefly nue to increases in interest and sinking funds, war pensions, and war oonus. The outlook for our pri mary products continues bright, and another highly successful season appears assured, thus wo may look for a continuance of an adequate supply of money locally for some little time. However, more economy mightvery well be practised, that we may be in tho better position to meet whatever state of affaire may prevail after the cessation of the war.

NATIONAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION. CFbom Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, December 21. Mr F. W. Nicholson (New Zealand manager for the National Mutual Life Asociation) has received the following' cablegram from the head office, Melbourne:—" The forty-seventh annual meeting was held at Melbourne yesterday. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report, congratulated members on the increased business and the continued general prosperity of the association. The new business was very satisfactory and the number of lapses very few, thus showing the confidence the public had in the solidity of the association. The new business written for the year amounted to £3.235,000, being- an increase of £107,000 over last year. During the year the sum of three-quarters of a million has been saved and added to the funds, which now amount to over £10,100,000. Tho rate of interest has been well maintained, an average of nearly 5 per cent, being received for all money invested, and it is gratifying to know that tho expenses of management have boon considerably reduced. The ratio of expenses to the total income is now 10.37. The death claims are larger than the previous year owing entirely to war casualties. PRIVATE COMPANIES. Notification of the registration of tho following private companies is contained in the Mercantile Gazette: — Teviofc Orchard Company. Capita]: £3OOO, into 3000 shares of £1 each. Subscribers: Dunedin —Albert John Manuel 750; Roxburgh—John Rcnnctts 750; Timaru—William George Irwin 750. Objects: To carry on the business of orchardists, fruitgrowers, fruit dealers, fruit sellers, fruit eanncrs, and fruit prcsscrs, and jam makers, etc. Dominion Garage and Motor Company. Capital: £SOOO, into 5000 shares of £1 each. Subscribers: Dunedin—Thomas Ed. Shiel 4999, Samuel P. Shiol 1. Objects: To take over tho motor and general engineering business now carried on by T. E. Shiel, and to cany on business of motor car proprietors, motor garago proprietors, motor car hirers, and to give instruction in the art of driving all kinds of motor vehicles. Kaitangata Co-operative Dairy Company. Capital: £2500. into 2500 shares of £1 each. Subscribers: Kaitangata—J. Y. Thomson 20, W. C. Smaill 20. C. Smaill. jun., 20, \' M'orison 25, J. Morison 25, W. Smaill 20: Inchclutha—J. P. Rutherford 25. Objects: To deal in and manufacture cream,

cheese, butter, ham, bacon, pork, ami all other products which can bo derived from or made out of cows or pigs.

INVESTMENT STOCKS. December 23. National Bank—Buyers £5, sellers £5 3s. National insurance —Buyers s;2 ios 6U, sellers £2 16s. Standard insurance—Sellers £1 10s 6d. Union Steam (ord.) —Buyers £2 2s 3d, sellers £2 3». Westport-Stockton— Buyers 6s 3d, sellers 6s lid. Dominion Rubber —Sellers £i lGs, Donaghy s Rope and Twine —buyers £1 2s. Duneclip-Kaikorai Trams —Buyers £1 Is. Kaiapoi Woollen (prof.)—Buyers £b 3s. New Zealand Refrigerating Company — Buyers £2O, (£2 paid) buyers £4. M'Lcod Bros. Soap—Buyers £1 4s Dd. National Mortgage—Sellers £4 Is. Now Zealand Drug Company (£2 paid) — Buyers £2 7s 6d. New Zealand Taper Mills—buyers 19s 3d, sellers 19s 6d. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (ord.) — Buyers £7. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (pref.)—Sellers £5. New Zealand Express Company—Sellers 17s.