COMMERCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3332, 23 January 1918, Page 28

COMMERCIAL.

Our London correspondent states that at the annual meeting of Dalgety and Co. the chairman, the Hon .E. W. Parker, warned the shareholders that at the end of the current, year they must not expect such pleasing results as for the year just closed, because owing to the lack of tonnage to lift the products of Australia and New Zealand much of the business that usually passed through their hands must come to a standstill, and the earnings in London will be considerably reduced. A dividend of 8 per cent, and a bonus of 6 per cent., both free of income tax, were declared, amounting, the ohairman stated, to £7 6s 8d per cent, gross. PRICE OF FLAX. WELLINGTON, January 17. Sir Thomas Mackenzie has cabled to the Prime Minister:—"Official: The price of flax has been raised in London. Good fair is quoted at £99, high £97, low £S6." AUSTRALIAN MARKETS. MELBOURNE, January 18. . Barley: Chevalier, 4s lOdl to 5s 2d; Cape, 3s 4d to 3s sid. Oats: Algerian milling. 2s 7d to 2s feed, 2s 5d to 2s 6d. Potatoes, £4 10s to £6 10a. Onions, £8 to £8 10s. SYDNEY, January 17. Oats: Algerian feeding, 2s 9d to 3s; milling, 3s to 3s Id; Tasmanian, 3s 10s to 3s lid. Maize: 5s 6d. Potatoes: £7 10s to £9. Onions: £l2. OAMARU STOCK MARKET. QTbOM OUH Owe ) OAMARU, January 19. The volume of business passing in the stook market during the week has not been of any particular note. Sales of sheep continue to bo made, but these generally in most lines, if transactions in lambs for forward delivery are excluded. There has been a revival of business in these latter, and evidently some speculators have confidence as to the future, for business has been done up to 22e 6d, and there exists a good inquiry for rape lambs up to that figure. A line of fat and forward lambs was placed for prompt delivery at 225. As to other sheep, sales are reported at the following prices:—Two-tooth ewes, 33s and 33s 6d; mixed two, four, and six-tooth ewes, 355; sound-mouthed ewes, 29a; twotooth wethers, 28s; mixed four and sixtooth wethers, 31s 6d. There has been practically nothing doing in cattle. Some have been on offer, but buyers have evidently reached a conclusion that prices have been forced to a false level, and are standing off. The only sale reported is one of two and three-year-old eteers in forward condition at £ls 15s. SOUTHLAND STOCK MARKET. (From Our Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, January 19. During the past- week the stock market has been quiet, and very little stook offering. The demand for cattle has eased somewhat, but all classes of store sheep are in strong demand. At last Wallacetown sale on Tuesday a large number of two end two-and-a-half-ycar-old steers were yarded, and practically the whole of the entry was cleared at satisfactory prices, the keenness in the market being duo to buyers from as far north as Gore operating in fairly largo linos. The beef market remains unchanged, but fat wethers, extra prime, ere bx'inging good prices. Values are approximately: Fat Cattle.—Ox beef, 47s to 48s; heifer, 44s 6d to 455; cow, 42s 6d to 43s 6d. Fat Sheep.—Extra prime wethers, up to 39s 3d; prime, 36s 6d to 37s 6d; lighter sorts, 33s to 355; fat ewes, up to 355. Store Cattle.--Three and three-and-a-half - year-old forward steers, £l3 10s to £ls; twoto two-and-a-half-year-old steers, £lO 10s to £ll 10s; yearling and 18-month steers, £6 10s to £8 10s, according to quality and condition ; two-year-old empty heifers, £7 10s to £9; this year's calves, weaned, £2 10s. Store Sheep.—Mixed sexes, two-tooth mves and wethers, 30s to 31s for fairly good stuff; four and six-tooth wethers, 34s to 365; sound-mouthed young ewes and lambs, all counted, 23s to 245; broken-mouthed, 18s to 20s. ADDING-TON STOCK MARKET. CHRISTCHURCH. January 10. At Addington market there were again small yardings of fat lambs and fat sheep, but good entries in the other departments. Fat cattle wore easier, and exporters were able to do more business in light cows and steers, the heavier and better quality being ad taken -by butcher?. Cow beef for export was making up to 45s per 1001 b overall, and steer beef a little more. Fat lambs were nearly all required by butchers, and prices were firmer by Is to Is 6d per head. There was a keen demand for all classes of store sheep, ewes, and lambs, both being firmer. For fat sheep, the supply being a short one, oriees were above export level, the advance

being about Is per head. Wethers especially were firm. -There was a good demand for forward store cattle, of which there were some well-grown lines on offer. Dairy cows sold well, as did fat pigs, but store pigs were a little easier.

Store Sheep.—Two-tooth civ«, 2Ss 3d to 31s 9d; four and six-tooth owes, 29s Id to '2O-, 4d; sound-mouthed ewes. 25s to 2?s 8d; twotooth wethers, 27s lod to 28s Id ; four and sixtooth wethers, 27e lldi to 30s; six and eighttooth wethers, 29s lOd to 31s 3d; rape lambs. 21s 6d to 21s; mixed sex lambs. 16s Id to 23s 7d; mixed sex hoggets, 30s" 4d; fat lambs, prime, 26s 6d to 29s 2d ; lighter lambs, 22s 6d to 265.

Fat Sheep.—Extra prime wethers, to 40s; prime wethers, 32s 6d to 3€s 6d; lighter wethers, 28s -Id to 325; merino wethers, 26? 3d; extra prime ewes, 40s; prime ewes, 32s to 34s 3d; medium ewes, 28s 6d to 31s 6d; lighter ewes, 22s to 28s; merino ewes, 22s 6d to 33s 6d. Fat Cattle. —Extra prime steers, to £23 12s 6d; primo steers, £l6 10s to £2O ss; ordinary steers, £lO 2s 6d to £l6; extra prime heifers, £l2 4s; primo heifers, £ll to £ls; ordinary heifers, £9 17s 6d to £lO 10s; extra prim© cows, £18; prime cows, £l2 10s to £l6; ordinary cows, £lO to £l2. Store Cattle.—Calves, £3 Is; 18-months' Hereford cross, £ll ss; two and three-year heifers, £7 10s to £8; three-year steers. £ls 12s 6d to £l6; dry cows, £6 to £10; dairy cows, £7 to £l9. Pigs.—Choppers, £4 to £6 10s; extra, heavy baconers, £6 to £6 4s; heavy baconers, £4 15s to £5 10s ; lighter baoomers, £4 to £4 Is, equal to B£d per lb; porkers, £2 15s to £3 4s. equal to 9Ad to 9|d per lb; large stores. £2 15s to £3; medium stores, £2 8s to £2 12s; smaller stores, 30s to 38s; weaners, ISs to 255; breeding sows, to £6 ss.

LIVE STOCK MARKETS. Burnside, Wednesday, January IS. Fat Cattle.—2ol penned—a large yarding of good quality. Competition was not so keen as of lat-e, and prices, especially towards the close of the sale, eaaed about 20s per head on last week's rates. Quotations: Best bullocks, £lB 10a to £2O; extra, to £22 2s 6d; medium to good, £l4 to £ls 10s; best cows and heifers, £l4 to £ls 10s; extra, to £18; medium to good, £l2 to £l3; others, £lO up. Stronach, Morris, and Co. sold: For W. Lindsay (Momona), 1 bullock £l9 12s Gd, 2 £lB ss, 2 £lß* 2 £l6 ss, 3 heifers £ls, . 2 £l3 ss; J. and C. Campbell (Momona), 1 bullock £l6 7s 6d, 1 £l3 ss; F. Johnston. (Momona), 1 bullock £l3 ss, 1 cow £ll 7.s 6d; W. Blackie (Mosgiel), 1 bullock £l6 15s, 1 £ls 15s; D. P. Wilson, 1 heifer £l3 17s Gd, 1 £l2 15s, 2 £l2 7e 6d, 2 £l2 ss,'l £11; T. Maxwell (Dunedin), 1 heifer £9 17s 6d. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. sold: For client, 6 bullocks £l7 10s; A. Anicich (Milburn), 1 pen cows £l3 2s 6d, 1 pen steers and heifers to £ll 7s 6d; D. C. MTvenzie (Glenham), 2 cows £ll 15s, 8 heifers to £9 17s 6d. Dalgety and Co. sold: For J. S. Bruce (Wo-ikoikoi), 1 bullock £l7 17s 6d, Quin and Rodger (Tapanui), 1 cow £l6 ss, 1 £l3 12s 6d; Alex. Cameron (Tapanui), 2 cows £l3: R. Kirk (Mosgiel),- 1 heifer £l3, 1 £l2. The Ptago Farmers' Co-operative Association sold: For Thos. Ayson (Wyndham), 2 steers £2O, 2 £lB ss, 2 £lB 2s 6d, 2 £l7 2s 6d; J. W. Blair (Outram), 1 heifer £lB, 1 £l6 17s 6d; Mrs W. M. Kirk (East Taieri), 2 steers £l7 17s 6d; Geo. M'Leod (Momona), 2 steers £l7, 2 £l6 7s Gd, 1 heifer £l2 17s 6d, 1 £l2 2s 6d. Donald Reid and Co. sold: For Win. Thomson (Maungatua), 1 bullook £22 2s 6d, 1 £2l, 2" £l9 ss, 2 £l9, 2 £18; J. and C. Campbell £Allanton), 2 bullocks £lB 15s, 1 £l7 10s; Arthur Robertson (Outram), 1 bullock £lB 15s, 1 £l7 ss, 2 £l6, 1 £ll 15s; Walter Blackie, sen. (Mosgiel), 2 bullocks £l6 15b; Hunter Bros, and Rice (Wyndham, as agents), 3 bullocks £l6 12s 6d, 3 £ls, l £ls 2s Gd, 1 heifer £l3 15s; John Blair (Outrarn), 2 cows £ls 15a; Peter Robertson (Outram), 1 cow £ls 15s, 1 £l3 15s, 1 £lO 17s 6d; Miss Helen Sutherland (Outram), 1" heifer £9 15s; James Brown (Mosgiel), 2 heifers £l2 7s 6d; David Wilson (Wingatui), 2 heifers £ll 2s 6d; G-. H. Craig (Mosgiel), .1 heifer £9 ss; E. R. Murchison (Greenvale), 2 cows £l4 15s, 2 £l4 12s 6d. The National Mortgage and Agency Company of N.Z. sold: 1 H or Jas. M'Leod (Northend), 2 bullocks £lB 10s; Johnston Wylie (Menzies Ferry), 1 bullock £lB 10s, 2 £l7 15s, 1 £l7; J. and C. , Campbell (Momona). pen bullocks £l6 ss; Georee M'Leod (Momona), 2 bullocks £ls 15s; R. Ford (Stirling), 2 cows £l4, 3 £l2; Jas. Waddell (East Taieri), 1 bullock £lO 17s 6d, 1 heifer £9 15s. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: For W. Blackie (Mosgiel), 1 bullock £l9. 1 £ls 15s; T. Ayson (Wyndham), 1 bullock £l9 17s 6d ; 1 £l7 12s 6d, 3 £l7 7s 6d. 3 £l6 15s; executors late Jas. Wyllie (Outram), 2 bullocks £lB, 1 £ls, 2 heifers £l6 15s, 3 £l4; J. and C. Campbell (Allanton), 2 bullocks £l7 12s Gd; Laidlaw Bros. (Wvndham), 2 bullocks £l7 10s, 2 £l6 7s 6d, 1 £ls 12s 6d, 2 £l4 ss; Mrs W. Kirk (Mosgiel), 2 bullocks £l7 7s 6cl, 2 £ls 10s; W. Lindsay, j'un. (Allanton), 1 bullock £l7 2s Gd, 1 cow £ll 2s Gd; W. M'Hattie (Momona), 2 bullocks £ls 17s 6d. 2 £ls 6s; Mrs Leask (Mosgiel), 1 cow £ls 15s;-John Miller (Maungatua), 1 cow £ls 17s Gd; J. S. Smith (Fairfax), 2 cows £ls 10s, 1 £l4 7a 6d; T. R. Eades (Edendale), 3 heifers £l3 17s 6d, 3 £ll 17s 6d, 3 £ll 12s 6d; F. Johnston (Momona), 3 heifers £l2 ss, 1 £l2 17s Gd, 1 £lO 6d; J. Warren (Waitati), 2 heifers £lO 7s Gd.

Store Cattle.—Stronach, Morris, and Co. (Ltd.) sold: For J. W. Graham (Ngapuna), 2 steers £l2 3s; A. M'Donald (Upper Junction), 1 cow £9 15s; T. Maxwell (Dunedin), 1 bull £lO 10s, 1 cow £8 2s 6d, 2 £8; T. G. Spam (Kaikorai), 12 yearlings £5 17s 6d; A. Tweed (Waitati), 3 yearlings £3 14s; Mrs Millar (Waitati), 1 vearling £3 13s. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company sold: For Trustees late Geo. M'Donald (Mosgiel), 1 bull £l2 ss, 1 pen heifers £lO 4s, 1 pen steers £9 Is; Allan Bros. (Portobello), 1 bull £lO ss; Robt. Black (Anderson Bay), 1 bull £lO ss; Mrs M. Murdoch, 1 heifer £/ 18s, 1 vealer £2 Bs. Dalgety and Co. sold: For Wm. Lindsay, jun (Allanton), 1. R. Thomson (Green Island), and other?, cows to £9 18s 6d, bulls to £ls 12s Gel. Wright Stephenson, and Co. sold: For B. Holroyd (Upper Junction), 1 bull £l7 ss, 1 cow £lO 10s; J. J. Smith (Lome), 1 bull £lB, 1 £l2, 1 cow £ll 6s, 2 £lO 15s, 2 £6; W. Green (Mount' Carsill). 10 eteers £l4; F. H. Perry (Fairfield), 1 bull £lB, 2 cows £l3 6s, 2 £lO, i £9 6s, 1 £5 10s, 8 steers £G Is, 9 calve» £2 16s; A. Smaill (Tomahawk), 1 bull £ls, 1 cow £l2 7s 6d, G £9 2s; Thos. Murphy (Pine Hill), 1 cow £l2 ss, 1 £9 7s Gd, 2 £9 Is; W. Blackie, jun. (Mosgiel), 3 cows £ll lis, 1 heifer £lO 16s, 1 cow £8 ss. 1 call" £5 2s Gd. 1 £2 10s; J. Warren (Waitati), 1 hull £ls; B. Thomas (Fairfax), 10 heifers £lO 10s, 10 £lO 8s Gd, 10 £lO ss; T. G. Spain (Kaikorai), 1 bull £9 15s. 1 £8 15s, 1 £8; D. Adam (Green Island Bush), £D 2s Cd; C. Smaill (Anderson Bay), 1 cow £S 15s; Thos. Graham (Moegiel), 1 cow £7 lCs, 1 £4 12s Gd. Tho Otago Farmers' C'o-oper<tive Association sold: For Thos. Carry (Waitahuna), 1 bull £2O 2s Gd; Mrs Peter Ford (Allanton). 1 bull £ls; Wm. Kirkland (East Taieri), 1 oow £ll 17s Gd, 2 cows £7 16s, 3 calves £3 17s Gd; Jas. Alexander (Green Island), 1 cow £lllos, 1 .£9 15s; D. M'Lareu (Cavershnm), 1 bull £lO 15s; Geo. M'Leod (Momona), 1

steer £lO 7s 6d ; Mrs M. Hodge (Mosgiel Junction), 1 bull £6 17s Gd. Donald Reid and Co. sold): For A. Lindsay (Burkes), 3 steers £i 12s; Geo. Guvton (Burkes), 2 bulls £5 15s; A. Melville (Fernhill), 4 steers £l3 12s, 3 heifers £l2 Bs, 2 £9 10s; E. R. Merohisou (Bluedak), 1 vealer £6 13s, 2 £5 Is, 1 £3 Gs, 1 bull £lB 10s; R. Duckworth (Highdiff), 2 cows £ll 10s; D. Wilson (Mosgiel), 1 cow £l2 17s; a client, 9 cows to £l2, 1 bull .£ls; J. W. Graham (Ngapuna), 8 steers £ll 3s; J. T. Gibson (Mosgid). 14 steers £lO 2s 6d; T. G. Spain (Kaikorai), 8 cows £7 is; R. Mitchell (Waitati), 2 cows £6 3s. 7 heifers £lO 9s; a client, 1 bull £l7 7s Gd; Miss Helen Sutherland (Outram), 1 bull £IG 12s Gd; P. Bobertson (Outram), 2 heifers £lO, 2 cows £lO 17s Gd.

Dairy Cows.—Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: For D. Adam (Green Island), 1 £ll 15a. Dalgety and Co. sold: For D. Snell (Momona), cows to £9 73 6d. The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association sold 1 : For Hugh M'Coll (Brighton), 1 £l7 2s Gd; Mra M. Hodge (Mosgiel Junction), 1 £8 10s. Donald lteid and Co. sold: For W. HalL (Pine Hill), 1 £l3. Calves. —Stronach, Morris, and Co. sold: For A. Scott (Arngibbon), 1 £2 14a, 1 £2 12s. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: For T. G. Spain (Kaikorai), 1 £1 18s; B. Holrovd (Upper Junction), 1 51s; W. "G. Reid (Henley), 1 50s, 1 31s, 1 19s, 1 4s; F. Johnston (Momona), 1 555, 1 48s, 1 31s, 1 235, 1 255, 1 20s, 1 6s, 1 15s. Dalgety and Co: sold: For H. Moloak (Balclutha), calves to 345. The Otago Farmers' Cooperative Association sold: For Mrs P. Ford (Allanton), 1 £3 7s; J. Thomson (Green Island), 1 £2 4s, 1 25«, 1 31s: T. G. Spain. (Kaikorai), 1 £2 3s, 1 £2; A. West (Brighton), 1 £2 6s; Wilkinson Bros. (Green Island), 1 28s; John M'Leod (Maungatua), 2 265, 1 275, 1 20s, 1 13s, 210 s, 1 6s, 1 3s; E. R. Brinsdon (Halfway Bush). 1 22s 6d, 1 6s; Geo. Farquhar (Highcliff), 1 21s. Donald Reid and Co. 6old: For G. Westwood (Brighton), 1 395; A. Mackie (Opoho), 1 475; W. M. Fairbaira (Momona), 1 20s, 1 265; J. A. Grant (Ravensbourne), 1 9s, 1 82s;, A. Lindsay (Burkes), 1 365; C. King (Ravensbourne), 1 225; D. R. Thomson (Green Island), 1 365. Fat Sheep.—l47l penned; a small yarding of good quality. Prices ehowed a rise of about la per head on last week's rates. —Best wethers, 39s to 42a 6d;, extra, to 44s 9d; medium to good, 353 6d to 375; best ewes, 36s to 38s Gd; extra, to 40s; medium to good, 82s to 345; others, 28s up. 1 Stronacb, Morris, and Co. (Ltd.) sold: . Few J. P. Dunlop (Heriot), 2 ewes 40s. 30 355, 15 325, 8 31s 9d; F. Moynihan (Sutton), 1 pen wethers 34s 3d, 13 ewes 32s 9d,. 11 31a 9d; A. Stevenson (East Taieri), 19 ewes 29si 6d; W. R, Gawn (North Taieri), 13- ewes 29e. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company sold: For C. Palmer (Otalgia), 100 wethers to 42s Gd; Andrew Stevenson (East Taieri), 30 wethers 39s 6d;l D. Watson (Wendon), 60 wethera to 39e; Jas. W. Blair (Outram), 33 wethers 38s; T. Mercer (Fairfield), 1 pen wethers 355, 25 34s 9d; John Cameron (Glenore), 64 wethers to 38a 9d; J. A. Mathewson (Hopehill), 20...ewea 29s 6d.——Dalgety and Co. Bold: For A. Stevenson (Mosgiel), 30 wethsrs 40s 3d. The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association sold: For W. R. Gawn (Mosgiel), 30 wethsrs 40s; Wm. Southerland (Clinton), Q wethers 38s 9d, 2 ©wee 32s 3d, 15 wethera 80s 6d, 23 28s 6d, 22 28s 3d; Donald M'Gregor (Milburn), 4 ewes 355; John Cameron (Glenore), 24 wethers 36s 9d, 23 365, 10 34s 9d. Donald Reid and Co. sold: For W. C. Palmer (Otokia), 68 wethers 41s; John, Cameron (Glenore), 60 wethers 37s to 355; J. H. Jaffray (Milton), 1 pen ewes 37s 9d; T. J. Gawn (North Taieri), 1 pen ewes 30a 3d; Smellie Brce. (North Taieri), 30 wethers to 355; R. Kirk (Mosgiel), 1 pen ewes 38s 3d; A. Stevenson (East Taieri), 30_ wethers 43s 6d to 39s 9d; Chas. Findlay (Mosgiel), 10 ewes to 37s 3d. The National Mortgage and Agency Company sold: Fox Jaffrav Bros. (Saddle Hill), 6 wethers 44s 9d, 24 39s 3d, 12 38s 9d, 17 38s, 19 35s 6d; Bishop Nevill (Kciso), 40 wethers to 345; Jas. M'Naugkfcon (Ida Valley), 10 ewes 27a 6d, 22 275, IS wethers 27s 3d.- Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: For J. Crawford (Kaiwera), 31 wethers 40s 9d, 10 39s 6d, 11 ewes 32s 94; G. Fox (Fortrose), 20 wethers 40s 3d; A. S. Herbert (Toropuke), 14 wethers 39a 6d, 24 ewes 38s, 30 34s 9d; H. J. Middleton (Waimahaka), 17 wethers 39s 3d; G. Nichol and Son (Allanton), 79 wethers 38s, 25 365, 20 355; B. Thomas (Waitoi), 46 wethers 28s 3d, 25 27s 6d, 40 24s 3d. Fat Lambs.—379 penned. Last week's high rates were not maintained, prices showing a drop of 2s to 2s 6d per head. Best lambs, 28s to 30s; extra, to 325; medium to good, 24s io 265; others, 21s up.- New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. sold: For J. A. Mathewson (Hopehill), 1 pen lambs 325, 50 to 275; Mrs W. Kirk (Mayfield), 6 295, 6 25s 9d; Chas. Findlay (Mosgiel), 10 to 275. The Otago Farmers' Cooperative Association sold: For Donald M'Gregor (Milburn), 6 to 295; Mark Finch (Milburn). 6 to 28s 6d; Chas. Findlay (Mosgiel), 15 22s 6d. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: For D. Davidson paddle Hill), 6 30s'; Mrs Kirk (Mosgiel), 6 24a 3d, 6 22a 6d. The National Mortgage and Agency Compcny sold: For James M'Naughton <lda Valley), 26 at quotations. Donald Reid and Co. sold: For Chas. Findlay (Mosgiel), 13 22s 6d; A. Scott (Arngibbon), 10 22s Gd; M. Finch (Milburn), 6 25s 3d to 23s 9d; R. Kirk (Mosgiel), 11 to 27s . 6d; Jas. France (Milbiirn), 14 235; J. H. Jaffray (Milton), 13 235; a client, 5 25s 6d; R. N. Elliott (Middlemarch), 83 20s. Pigs—A good yarding of fats was offered, and realised prices well up to late rates. There was a lai-ge yarding of stores, and these were cleared at good prices. Wright, Stephenson, e.nd Co. soldr- For R. Love (Ngapara). 2 £6; W. Hallewell (Enfield), 4 £5 18s 6d; E. A. Watson ,Enfield), 2£5 13s; J. Diver (Enfield), 1 £5 12s; J. Mahoney, Ben. (Whi.tston), 2 £5 lis; A. Probert (Wylie a Crossing). 2 £3 6s; D. Young (Sandymount), 4 395». Dalgety and Co. sold: For (Jr. Smart (Wylie's Crossing), pigs to £4 4s. The Otago Fa.rmevs' Co-operative Association sold: For J. E. Llovd (North-East Vallev)," 2£5 10s, 1 £3 10s: H. Webber (Ngapara), 2 £4 10s 6d, 2 £3 6s 6d ; Thomas Craig (East Taieri), 2 £5, 2 £4 15s; William Geddes (Green Island), 2 £3 2s; W. Knox (Green Island), 1 28s, 1 32s 6d; T. G. Spain (Kaikorai), pigs from 2Gs to 30s.- —Donald Reid nnd Co. sold: For W. Kirkland (Green Island). 2 £3 19s Gd ; P. Robertson (Outram), l' £5 3s, 2 £5 16s, 1 £1 17s; W. Hargood (Brockvillc), 2 £5 6s; Mrs G. Olsen (Sawyers' Bay), 4 £3 6s; George Donaldson (Leith Valley), 1 £4 15s;' A client, 1 £6 9s, 3 £5 18s. 1 £4 10s, 1 £3 Ss: J. A. Johnston (Shicl Hill), 1 M IPs: James Cow (Mosgiel), 2 2Ss 6i, 228 s, 2 183; M. Haekatf (Momona), ] 82s 6d, 2 245, 1 16s; J. Gardiner (Green Island), 4 £2 15s, 2 £1 16s 6cl, 1 £1 Bs. The National Mortgage and Aaency Companv cold: For R. Cleave (North-East Valley), 2 bnconer?: a+ So. Stronach., Morris, and Co. sold: For Scacliff Mental Hospital, 3 £4 14s Gd, 3 £4 lis. i £4 Gs, 4 £4 4s, 4 £3 ISs 6d; Fred. Williams (North-East Vallev). 1 £5 3s; F. Moynihan (Sutton), 2 £3 53, 2 £3 33; George Donaldson (Leith 1 £4 17s; Mrs P. Murdoch (MosgieT), 3 £2 lGs: E. Edmunds (Leith Valley). 237 s Gd; T. M'Carthv (Leith Valley), 227 s Gd, 2 265; T. Harvey (Momona), 220 a.

DUNEDIN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT. Messrs A. Moritzson and Co., auctioneers, wool, stock, station, grain. P rodu ?V£„ l( 3 mission agents, Dunedin, report (*J«J»«J for the week as under. Ail qu°t atl °™ "" subject to market fluctuations. F arme . T « * r " asked, when sending samples, always to pm * price on them, as buyers do not xeei inclined to make offers: — taoA Barley.—Prime malting, 6s to 6s 6d; leea barley, 4s 9d to ss. Cape barley, 3s to Ss 6d on trucks. Wheat.—Prime milling, 5a 10d, f.o.b. Oats.—Milling, 3s lOd; good feed, 3s Ed to 3s Bd. ChaJT.—Good bright and heavy, £6 10s to £7; medium, £5 10s to £6. Maizo (sacks extra).—6s 9d (old crop). Straw.—Wheaten, £Z; oaten, £3. Hay.—Clover and ryegrass, £6. Ryegrass.—Farmers' dressed, new crop, 3s to 4s; machine diressed, 6s 6d to 7s 6d; Italian, 5s 6d to 6s. Cocksfoot.—lOd to lid; machined seed, Is 4d to Is sd. Chewing 3 Fescue.—Farmers' dressedt, 3id to 4d; machine dressed, 10d'. Onions.—£l2. Potatoes.—ss 6d to 6s. Salt Butter.—ls to Is 2d; separator, Is 2d to Is 3d; storekeepers' pats, Is to Is 2d. Cheese.—Factory, lOd to lid. • Honey.—Section honey, 7s; bulk, 4d; Jib pals, 3s 9d to 4s dozen; lib pats, 7s dozen; 101 b tins, 6s to 5s 6d. Walnuts.—lOd to Is lb. Eggs.—Storekeepers', Is sd; stamped., Is 6d. Beeswax.—ls 9d to Is lOd. Pigs.—SJd for porkers; baconers, 8d to B£d. Hams.—ls 2d to Is 3d. Bacon.—Roll, Is 2d to Is 3d. 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 sales promptly.

THE CO-OPERATIVE FRUITGROWERS. The Co-operative Fruitgrowers of Otago (Ltd.) report: Heavy consignments of fruit are coming forward, though choice dessert fruit always commands keen attention. Small fruits are about over, and those requiring preserving fruits, such as apricots, peaches, and plums, would be well advised to place their orders with the local fruiterers or storekeepers immediately. All. lines of produce are meeting a good demand. Eggs and butter seem to be in excess of requirements. We received and sold: —Apples: Californian, 5s to 13s for choice; new season's dessert, 2d to 3id; cooking, lid to 2d. Bananas: Choice, 20s. Lemons: "Mission" brand 30O's, 455. Oranges: Californian navals, 255. Peanuts, Tomatoes: Nelson, 6s to 10s per oase for choice; Christchurch, 6id, 9id; locals, 9d to lid; Central tomatoes, 6|d to 9id. Apricots: Small, lid to dessert, 2£d to 3id. Peaches: Crates and cases choice, 3d to Bid; cases (j anl )- 2d to 2id. Pears: Choice, 3d to 4d; others, lid. Plums: Cherry, lid *to 2d; cooking'; lid to 2d; choice dessert, 2£d to 4d; nectarines, 2id to sd. Strawberries, Is 6d to Is lid per pottle. Cherries: Choice, Is 3d. Loganberries, 5d fo 7%d. Raspberries, 6id to .71 d. Black currants, to sid. Red currants, to sd. Grapes, Is 2d to Is 5 Ad. Ripe gooseberries, lid to 2id for choice; others, lid.. Rhubarb, 5s per cwt. Butter beans, to 3d; French beans, 2id to 3d. Cab-, bage. 2s 6d to 4s per sack. - Cauliflower, 5s Cucumbers, 6s 6d to 10s 6d., Green peas: Choice, to 2£d; others unsaleable Lettuce, Is per case. Onions, 15s to 17s per cwt for choice new season's. New potatoes: Locals, Id to lid. Bacon: Prime rolls, to is 3d. Pigs: Bacon and porker, prime, Bid, Bid. Butter: Bulk, Is; separator pats, is; extra prime separator, Is 4d; inferior butter quite unsaleable. Eggs: We cleared, our consignments; stamped and guaranteed, Is 5d to Is 6d; case eggs, Is lid. Honey: Market bare; bulk, to 6d; section, to 8s 6d per dozen; 101 b tins, 5s 6d. Tea: First tips Broken Orange Pekoe, Is 6d. Bran, 5s per 1001 b. Maize: Market bare. ■ Lime sulphur: "Giraffe" brand, 2s 2d per gallon in sacks; 3s 6d in tins. Meat meal: Market bare. Molasses: In barrels, 6s 6d per cw't; tins, 13s per cwt. Oaten pollard, 16s per bag. Oate: Pest short oats, to 4s 3d. Oatsheaf chaff, £7 to £7 5s for choice. Oaten dust, 6s per sack. Wheat: Wanted; Government price, 6s 2d. Rice meal: Market bare. Wheat pollard, 12s 7d per bag. Beeswax, Is 6d. Horsehair, Is 3d, Is 3!d. Egg crates: "Economic," lis each. Tallow: -Sale Wednesdav. Rabbitskins: Realised 201 d to 35d. Po'ultry: Hens, Is 9d to 2s 4d; cockerels, 2s Id- to 2s 6cl; ducks, 2s 3d to 3s 3d; Chicks, 3d to 9d each. Dressed poultry: Hens, 2s 3d to 2s 9d each. . THE CO-OPERATIVE FRUITGROWERS OF OTAGO (LTD.), ••• •• Moray place, Dunedin. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. WELLINGTON, January 21. The following is the High Commissioner's market report, under date.- January 19. (Note: The quotations, unless otherwise specified, arc tfto average market prices on spot) : Meat. —All descriptions of meat are in smaller supply. The demand is greater than the supply at the maximum prices fixed by the grader and the Food Controller. The maximum prices for homekilled "mutton end English lambs have been raised to 13fd. With reference to my telegram of December 29 regarding ''inported cffal, the maximum prices for sama will bo in force, after next week. Butter. —There is a very limited supply. The Government has not distributed any further .supplies. Cheese. —There is active demand at full prices on account of the difficulty of obtaining- supplies. Hemp.—The Manila and New Zealan.d hemp markets are quiet and steady at the maximum prices. ■ The Manila output during tha two weeks ended January 12 was 39,000 bales. Wheat. —The market is quiet, and small business is doing. The oflicial quotations are: Number 20, Northern Manitoba, and No. 2, hard winter, 765; Australian, 79s 6d. Oats.—Tho market is steady, and fair business is doing. No. 2 white clipped American,. 59s 3d. GRAIN AND PRODUCE REPORTS. Messrs Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.) report as folllows:—Oats: Thero is ready sale for the moderate quantity offering; stocks in store are light, and all bright, heavy lines are finding an outlet for local feed requirements at quotations. We quote: Prime milling, 3s 9d to 3s lOd; good to best feed, 3s 7d; medium to good, 3s 3d to 5s 6d per bushel (sacks extra). Wheat: Practically no wheat of any description offering. Potatoes: Old season's unsaleable. New season's offering freely, and

sales can only be effected at lower rates. Unripe lots arc not so readily quitted a.s choice l:nes, which are receiving most attention from buyers. Quotations: Best lines, £5 to £6 per ton (bags in). Chaff: Consignments of bright, heavy oaten sheaf arc not heavy, and all lines of this description are readily quitted on arrival. Medium quality and light- lines are more plentiful, and difficult to place. Wo quote: Choice quality, £6 15s to £7; medium to good, £5 10s to £6 10s; light and inferior, from £* per ton (sacks extra). Donald Roid and Co. (Ltd.) report:— We held our usual weekly auction sale of grain and produce at our stores to-day, when values ruled as under. Oats: There is good inquiry for heavy feed and milling cat:-, more especially Cartons and sparrowbills, and several lines have changed hands during tho past week. We quote: Prime milling, 3s 9d to 3s lOd; good to best feed, 3s 8d to 3s 9d; inferior to medium, 3s 3d to 3s 7d per bushel (sacks extra). Potatoes: The now season's crop has been coming to hand more freely during the last few days, and the quality is well up to tho average of past seasons. Freshly-dug potatoes ar-j selling at from £5 15s to £6. Wheat: None on offer. Chaff: Consignments of- medium chaff have been coming to hand more freely during tho past week, and sales are not so readily effected. The demand for prime oaten sheaf still continues, and any lots of this description coming forward meet with ready sale. We quote: Prime oaten sheaf, £6 15s to £7; medium, £6 to £6 10s; light and discoloured, £5 5s to £5 15s ' per ton (bags extra). NEW ZEALAND REFRIGERATING COMPANY. The report of "the directors of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company (Ltd.) 'for the year ended October 31 last states that further extensive additions to 'the storage of the company's works have necessary to meet the great shortage of shipping, and building operations at Islington, Smithfield, Pukeuri, and Burnside are being undertaken to cope with the requirements of the season now commencing. In order to meet th* expenditure thus involved the whole of the uncalled caDital, amounting to £67,974- has been called" up, and, in addition, all the unissued capital was offered in September last to shareholders at a premium of 50 per cent. The issue met with the most gratifying response, the whole of the available shares, amounting to £62,800, having been heavily over.-applied for by shareholders. Tho premium received, amounting to £31,400, has been placed to reserve account, and has been speciaUy invested in the New Zealand Government war loan. The balance available for appropriation, as shown by the balance sheet, is £77,347 9s 4d, which the directors recommend should be disposed of as follows: To pay a dividend of 4 per cent, for the half-year ended October 31, 1917, £6903 7s ldi; to pay a bonus of 4 per cent, on the paid-up capital, £6903 7s Id; to add to the reserve account (which will make this account £100,000), £25,000; to add to the general assurance reserve account (which will make this account £100,000), £10,000; leaving an amount to carry forward of £28,540 15s 2d;—total, £77,347 9s 4d. Mr John Roberts, C.M.G., who has been identified with the company and the industry since its inception in 1881, was, during the year, reluctantly ..obliged to give up his seat on the board, and the directors desire to record their great regret at the loss of his valuable services. The vacancy on the board has been filled by the appointment of Mr William Murray, the general manager, to' the directorate. DOMINION RUBBER COMPANY (LIMITED.) A cablegram has been received to the following effect:—"Output for December, 1£,4001b. Bad weather. Present price, Is lOd." DOMINION PORTLAND CEMENT ■ COMPANY. AUCKLAND, January 18. The assets of tho Dominion Portland Cement Company were sold by auction today in two lots, the purchaser being Mr E. Gerard. The total price was £137,750. There was no other bidder. THE BRITISH CONFECTIONERY TRADE. The British Manufacturing Confectioners' Export Union writes to us:— It has been pointed out by his Majesty's Trade Commissioner for New Zealand that all customers dp not quite realise tho difficulties under which British manufacturers are labouring. Tho export of British confectionery and chocolate, difficult from the outset of the war, became increasingly difficult as time went on. Manufacturers had to endure restriction after restriction on all raw materials; labour difficulties, steadily multiplied by reason of enlistments in the navy or army, and of the transfer of men and women to the production of munitions of war; Government requirements monopolised a considerable amount of the reduced output; and steadily, too, the shipping space available became less, while freights and high insurance charges rose to a corresponding degree. All raw materials have increased enormously in price, and many are very scarce; and, worst of all, manufacturers are now only allowed to use 25 per cent, of the sugar (the chief raw material of all) which they used in 1915. These difficulties might have been overcome to some extent, but iii February last the Government prohibited altogether tho export of all foodstuffs, including confectionery and chocolate, thus leaving foreign manufacturers free from British competition in those Markets where British goods were naturally preferred. In some case 3, indeed, these foreign-made goods, whose origin is suspect, are shipped to London, and despatched 1 thence in British vessels.

The British Manufacturing Confectioners' Export Union is well -aware that the public in the United Kingdom, are deprived of and miss some of the products of the dominion, and asks, therefore, with every confidence, for sympathetic consideration. One effect of the war, which has knit together in such close ties the whole British Empire,- is bound to be greate? inter-dependence between the 'British people in Great Britain and Ireland and the sister nations overseas, which will increase the prestige and power of the Empire. None of us will need to rely on the products of enemy countries of those who have not thrown m their lot with the Allies, and may l>ecome our enemies m the future. The unspeakable atrocities of the enemy during ihe war hayel^en^u^^ methods pre-war tin^^H CaS|Mfl rat (JH

Ag soon as the war is over some of the difficulties enumerated will disappear, and British manufacturers, relying on the quality of their productions, look forward to a restoratirn of the old pleasant business relationship with customers in the dominion.

EXPORT OF APPLES

NO CHANCE FOR LONDON. One of tho results of the shortage of shipping space for London is that again this season no cool storage space will bo available for shipments of apples to the London market. An Auckland exporter, who had sold thirty or forty thousand oases of apples for London, subject to delivery being possible., wrote to tho Overseas ShipCommittee to ask that space be allotted in cool storage. He received a reply dated January 14, as follows :—" I have to inform you that under instructions from the Imperial Government no space can bo made available for the shipment of apples in cool storage." This is a repetition (says the Auckland Star) of what occurred iast season, and will mean that apple-growers are to be eonfined to the markets of the dominion. As stone fruits are likely to be short this season owing to the large quantity that fell from the trees before coming to maturity, it is possible that apples may find a correspondingly better demand this year. OTAGQ FARMERS' HORSE BAZAAR. The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand (Ltd.) report: We held our weeklv horse sale in our bazaar on Saturday, when we had an entry of 25 horses all told. The entry was mainly cornprised of aged and done light harness horses and spring-carters, there being practically no first-class farm or town horses forward. There was a fair attendance of the public, but few were buyers for the class of horses offering, consequently very little business wae done. Although prices are not high, there is still a demand for good, useful sorts. Quotations: Young, sound, sharp, cliffy geldings, £25 to £2B; extra heavy horses, £26 to £32; seven-year-old and over mares and geldings, £l3 to £2O; and what is usually termed aged, £lO to £l2; vanners and spring-carters, £l4 to £2O; light sorts of harness horses, at fluctuating prices.