TAPANUI FARMERS’ CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 3803, 1 February 1927, Page 14

TAPANUI FARMERS’ CLUB.

ANNUAL SHOW. Weather conditions were ideal for the annual show on Wednesday cf the Tapanui Farmers’ Chib. A blazing sun shone throughout the day and conditions for an hour or two were almost too torrid to be pleasant.. A large number of settlers from the neighbouring districts filled the grounds, the gate takings this year showing a considerable increase on last year’s figures. This year’s president is Mr N. Moore, and the secretary is Mr J. W. Jarrold, and an energetic working committee put the various classes through in good time. Entries in all departments were .well up to those of last year, and in most-instances competition was keen for the various awards. A fine display of horses and cattle was made after the conclusion of the judging. The principal exhibitors in the Romney Marsh classes were Messrs b. Robertson and R. F. Kirk. The entfries in all sections were good, but in the majority of cases the honours went to Messrs Robertson and Kirk, the latter of whom secured both the male and female championships. The cup (valued at £5 ss) for most points in Romney Marsh sheep, was won by Mr Robertson by a good margin. Other exhibitors were Messrs J. D. Edgar. Alexander Cameron, and E. D. MacKenzie.

Mr D. Robertson’s name was also conspicuous in the prize list for Corriedales. He was opposed by Messrs A. Robertson and M. M’Auley, but he was successful in annexing almost all the red tickets.

The halfbred display was merely an exhibition of Mr M. M'Auley's stock. Thine was no other exhibitor. Tire stock was of excellent quality, however. The best entries both numerically and from the point of view of quality were received in the crossbred classes. The keen competition and the high amrage quality made the task of the judge (Mr M. Murray, Warepa) anything but an easy one. Many names figured in the prizie-list, the awards being distributed over a large field of competitors. . Mr D. Robertson ky annexing several prizes with his crossbreds received for himself the handsome silver cup (valued at.. £l2 10s) awarded to the exhibitor gaining most points in both purebred and crossbred sections. Mr R. Potts won the challenge cup (valued at £7 7s) for most points in crossbreds. The entire cattle entry consisted of about 40 head of mixed qaulity stock, made up chiefly of purebred dairy animals. A few crossbreds of the house or cottar’s cow type were shown, and about half a dozen fats. Mrs A. Wilson had a noteworthy entry of Ayrshires with which she won the majority of the awards. Mr J. Gray secured a red ticket with a good two-year-

old bull, but his yearling had to concede first place to Mrs Wilson’s animal. Mr G. H> Smith was the only other exhibitor. Mrs Wilson annexed both championships. The entry of Friesians was poor, thero being only half a dozen head from Mr E. D. Mackenzie’s herd, and a solitary bull belonging to Mr A. D. Kennedy, The former took both the champion ribbons.

Mr N. -Moore was the most successful competitor in the Jersey classes, winning the majority of class honours and both championships. He had few rivals. Mrs A. Wilson . was the winner of the points prize in the cattle classes. A special cup, presented by the Farmers’ Dairy Federation (Invercargill), for the best dairy animal on the ground was won by Mr N. Moore, who won the trophy last year. The cup now becomes his possession. The draught horse entry was greatly affected by the absence of Messrs Conbrough. and Hamilton’s string, which had been seen at local shows for many years. The field was left almost entirely to Messrs .Fleming Bros., whose stock proved too good for most of the other animals entered. Among their animals shown were the entire Ambition, ’ by Elford —Boquhan Electra, who has won honours this season at Kelso, Gore and Clutha, Boquhan Electra (imp.), champion at Gore, Clutha and Invercargill. Both the championships went to Messrs Fleming Bros, and the points prize also. The number of light horses present was not large, but some high-class animals were shown. In conjunction with the hackney classes some interesting competitions were held, a new departure at this show was a tilting at the ring event, which caused a great deal of merriment. The winner was Miss K. Wood. The same competitor also won the polo race. As usual, the women folk of the district provided excellent entries in the home industries and dairy produce classes. Miss Kertpshell (Maungatua), who judged both sections, spoke very highly of all the classes. Mrs R. M’Donald was an easy first in the competition for a set of stainless cutlery which was provided for the winner of the most points in these classes.

PRIZE LIST. The prize list follows: — CATTLE. Judge: Mr T. R. Eades (Edendale). SHORTHORN. Cow, any age,, in calf or -in milk. One entry—Malcolm Ferguson. AYRSHIRE. Bull, any age. Two entries—Mrs A. Wilson 1, G. H. Smith (Kelso) 2. I Bull, two years. One entry—J. Gray. Bull, one year. Two entries—Mrs A. Wilson 1, James Gray 2. Cow, any age, in calf oi - in milk. Three entries. —Mrs A. Wilson 1 and 2. Cow - ; with two of her progeny. One entry—Mrs A Wilson. Dry cow, apparently in calf. One entry —Mrs A. Wilson. Heifer, three years, in milk. Two entries—Mrs A. Wilson 1 and 2. Heifer, two years. One entry—Mrs A. Wilson. Heifer, one year. Four entries—Airs A. Wilson 1 and 3, G. H. Smith 2.

HOLSTEIN. Bull, any age. Two entries —E. D. Mackenzie 1, A. H. Kennedy 2. Cow, any age, in calf or in milk. One entry—E. D. Mackenzie. Dry cow, apparently in calf. One entry —E. D. Mackenzie. Heifer, one year. One entry—E. D. Mackenzie. JERSEY. •• Bull, any age. Two entries —Sim and Pullar 1. Bull, two years. One entry—N. Moore. Bull, one year. Three entries—N. Moore 1, D. Keir 2. Cow, any age, in calf or in milk. Three entries—N. Moore 1,2. and 3. Cow, with two of her progeny. One entry—N. Moore. Heifer, three years, in milk. Three en--tries—N. Moore 1,2, and 3. Heifer, two years. One entry —C. Lawson. Heifer, one year. Four entries—N. Moore 1,2, and 5. DAIRY CATTLE. Cow, any age, in milk. Two entries— Mrs A. Wilson 1, Moore and ’Saunders 2. Cottar’s cow. Three entries—W. Clouston 1, Miss Quin 2, Alexander Keir 3. Heifer, two years. Two entries—Moore and Saunders 1. Heifer, one year. One entry—E. D. Mackenzie. FAT CATTLE. One fat bullock. Two entries —J. D. Edgar 1 and 2. Best conditioned'calf. John Smith 1. HORSES. DRAUGHT. Judge: Mr W. Y. Dickie, Mataura. Entire horse, three years. One entry— Fleming Bros. Entire colt or gelding, one year. One entry—Fleming Bros. Brood mare, with foal at foot. One entry —Alexander Thomson. Filly, three years. Two entries—Fleming ’ Bros. 1, W. Kirk 2. Filly, two years. Two entries—Fleming Bros. I,' Alexander Thomson 2. Filly, one year. Two entries —Fleming Bros. 1, A. IL Brock (East Gore) 2. Gelding, two years. One entry—W. Kirk. Dry mare. Three entries —Fleming Bros. 1,2, and 3. Gelding. Three entries—Fleming Bros. 1 and _2, James Edgar 3. Pair of mares or geldings, bred by exhibitor. Four entries —Fleming Bros. 1 and 2, A. Thomson 3. Mare, -with two of her progeny; Two entries—Fleming Bros. 1 and 2. Three-hoise team, either dry mares or geldings, the property of one exhibitor. Two entries —Fleming Bros. 1 and 2. Mare, two years and over (bred in the Dominion). Four entries—Fleming Bros. 1 and 2, Alexander Thomson 3. Foal (colt or filly), to be shown with or without dam. Two entries—W. Kirk 1, Alexander Thomson 2. Champion stallion—Fleming Bros. Champion mare —Fleming Bros. Most points—Fleming Bros. LIGHT AND HARNESS HORSES. Judge: Mr R. Lockhead, Balclutta. Trotting stallion, any age. One entry— J. M. Brosnan,

Hack,' filly, colt, or gelding, two yearrf (thoroughbreds barred). One entry— G. Dumbleton. Roadster or hack, weight carrier, up to 15 stone. Two entries—G. D. Shand 1» Miss K. Wood 2. Roadster or hack, up to 13 stone. Six entries—Miss K .Wood 1, George Stuart 2, W. A. Yardley 3. Roadster or hack, up to 11 stone. Six entries—G. Wayte 1, Miss K. Wood 2, John Millar 3. Mare _or gelding, up to lOcwt, to bo driven in a spring cart or other vehicle. Two entries—A. S. Edgar 1, K. Rodger 2, Cob, 15 hands or under, up to 12 stone. Seven entries —Miss K. Wood 1, J. D.Edgar 2, W. A. Yardley 3. SPECIAL CLASSES. Best paced hack (walking six points, no ambling allowed, trotting six points, cantering three points, symmetry three points), must be thoroughly sound. Seven entries — Miss K. Wood 1, W. A. Yardley 2, George Stuart 3. Pony, under 14 (> hands, to be ridden by boy or girl under 15. Six entries —James M’Mullan 1, W. A. Yardley 2, J. D. Edgar 3. Lady’s hack, to be ridden by a lady. First 21s. Five entries —Miss K. Wood 1, G. Stuart 2, G. Wayte 3. Single buggy horse —Miss K. Wood 1 and 2, J. D. Edgar 3. Harness horse, 15 hands or under. Six entries—Miss K. Wood 1, J. M'Mullan 2, J. D. Edgar 3. SHEEP. Judge: Mr R. J. Anderson (Kauana). ROMNEY MARSH. Un lothed. Ram, any age. Six entries —D. Robertson 1 and 3, J. Edgar 2. Ram, one-shear. Eight entries —R. F. Kirk 1, D. Robertson 2 and 3. Two rams, one-shear. Five entries—R. F. Kirk 1, J. Edgar 2, E. D. Mackenzie 3. One dry ewe, two-shear or over. Four entries —D. Robertson 1 and 3, R. F. Kirk Two ewes and lambs. Four entries —D. Robertson 1 and 2. K. F. Kirk 3. One ewe and lamb. Four entries—D. Robertson and 1 and 2, R. F. Kirk 3. Two ewes, one-shear. Six entries—D. Robertson 1, E. D. Mackenzie 2, J. Edgar 3. One ewe, one-shear. Seven entries —R. F. Kirk 1 and 3, D. Robertson 2. Five rams, one-shear, for sale. Four entries—E. D. Mackenzie 1 and 2, R. F. Kirk 3. Ram lamb. Five entries —D. Robertson - 1 and 2, R. F. Kirk 3. Ewe lamb. , Five entries —R. F. Kirk 1, D. Robertson 2 and-3. Farmer’s ram (owner of stud flocks

Darrecij. oxx entries — jx. nouner a, jax, Ferguson 2. CORRIEDALE. Ram, any age. One entry—D. Robertson. Ram, one-shear. Three entries —D. Robertson 1,2, and 3. Two ewes and lambs. Four entries — D. Robertson 1,2, and 3. One ewe and lamb. Four entries—D. Robertson 1 an] 2, Alexander Robertson 3. Two ewes, one-shear. Three entries — A. Robertson 1, M. M’Auley 2, D. Robertson 3 Two rams, one-shear. Three entries — D. Robertson 1,2, and 3. One ewe, one-shear. Five entries — Alexander Robertson 1, D. Robertson 2, M. M’Auley 3. HALFBRED. 'Ram, one-shear. One entry—M. M'Auley. Two ewes and lambs. Two entries — M. M'Auley 1 and ,2. One ewe and lamb. Two entries—M. M'Auley 1 and 2. Two ewes, one-shear. Two entries — M. M'Auley 1 and 2. Two wethers, one-shear. Two entries — M. M'Auley 1 and 2. One ewe, one-shear. Three entries— M. M'Auley 1 and 3, Moore and Saunders 2. One wether, one-shear. Three entries —■ M. M'Auley 1,2, and 3. CROSSBRED. Judge: Mr W. Murray (Warepa). Two ewes, one-shear, fine wool. Six entries—Moore and Saunders 1, J. D. Rodger 2, W. T. Hancox 3. Two ewes, one-shear, strong wool. Ten entries—Mrs J. G. Pringle 1, M: M'Auley 2, M. Ferguson 3. Two wethers, one-shear, strong wool. Three entries—M. Ferguson 1, R. Potts 2, K. Rodger 3. One ewe, one-shoar. fine wool. .Nino entries —R. Potts 1, E. D. Mackenzie 2, D. Robertson 3. One ewe, one-shear, strong wook t First 21s, gift of Victoria Insurance Co. (per Dalgety and Co.). Eight entries—J. Edgar 1, R. Potts 2. E. D. Mackenzie 3. One wether, one-shear; strong wool. Four entries —R. Potts 1, D. Robertson 2. One ewe, with lamb at foot; fine wool. Two entries —D. Robertson 1 and 2. One ewe, with lamb at foot, strong wool. Seven entries —R. Potts 1 and 2, Mrs J,. G. Pringle 3. Cup.—Mr and Mrs E. D. Mackenzies challenge cup in memory of LieutenantColonel G. H. Stewart; the cup to be the property of the club. Each winner to have his name engraved upon it, and hold the cup for one year. Value, £7. Given for most points in crossbred sheep, classes 131 to 140 (inclusive). Winner in 1525: Alex. Robertson; 1926, R; Potts; 1927, R. Potts.

FAT SHEEP. Pen of three crossbred wethers, any age. Five entries —Alex. Robertson 1 and 2. Three crossbred ewes, any age. Eight entries —D. Robertson 1, J. Edgar 2, G. Stuart 3. Three halfbred wethers, any age. Five entries —John Eskdale 1 and 2, M. M'Auley 3- - -a Three fat lambs, suitable for freezing, individual live weight of which do not exceed 801 b. The lambs to be judged alive and general quality of fleece to be taken into considration. Four entries—R. Potts 1, .-K. Rodger 2 Pen of three fat lambs, any weight (ram lambs barred). Seven entries—Mrs J. G. Pringle 1 and 2, John Eskdale 3. One heaviest fat lamb. Five entries— R. Potts (107ilb) 1. Three wethers (any breed or cross) most suitable for the frozen meat ’trade: no individual sheep to be less than 1001 b, or more than 1501 b, live weight. Three entries—John Eskdale 1 and 2, M. M'Auley 3. Three maiden ewes (any breed or cross) most suitable for the frozen meat trade; no individual sheep to be less than lOOlbi

more than 1501 b, 'live weight. Eight entries —JR. Potts 1 ’ and 2, J. Edgar 3. Three maiden ewes, under 18 months; Hny breed or cross. Six entries—J. Edgar 1, M. Ferguson 2, John Eskdale 3. Three wethers or maiden ewes, any age; hot to exceed 1801 b live weight. Six entries—Alex. Robertson 1, M. Ferguson 2, *-J. Edgar 3. DAIRY PRODUCE. Judge: Miss Kempshal, Maungatua). ••Alb fresh butter. Five entries—Mrs R. l/ Miss E. Edgar 2, Mrs J. '« Robertson 3. 11b powdered butter. Six entries—Mrs , B. M'Donald 1, Mrs J. Robertson 2, Miss E. Edgar 3. lib fresh butter (open to exhibitors who have never taken a first or second prize). Five entries—Miss E. Edgar 1, Miss Lena Fleming 2, Mrs Telfer 3. lib powdered butter (open to exhibitors who have never taken a first or second prize). Five entries—Miss K. Edgar 1, . Miss Lena Fleming 2, Mrs Telfer 3. Fancy butter for tea table. One entry— Mrs J. Robertson. Plain oven scones. Seven entries—Miss Braudigam 1, Mrs R. M'Donald 2, Mrs D. Beattie,'jun. 3, Miss Meade h.c. Girdle ■ scones. Seven entries—Mrs D. Beattie, jun. 1, Mrs J. Robertson 2, Miss Braudigani 3. Mrs R. M'Donald h.c. Fancy scones. Four entries. —Miss Braudigram 1, Mrs R. M'Donald 2, Miss Meade 3, Miss Macnee h.c. Fruit cake (dark coloured); iced cake barred. Four entries—Miss Braudigram 1, Miss Meade ,2, Miss Macnee 3, Mrs R. M'Donald h.c. Fruit cake (light coloured); iced cake barred. Nine entries —Miss Meade 1, Miss Braudigam 2, Miss F. Smith 3, Miss Macnee h.c., Mrs M. Robertson c. Sponge cake. Five entries —Miss Braudigam I, Miss Meade 2, Mrs R. M'Donald 3, Mrs M. Robertson h.c.. Tray cakes (six varieties), for afternoon tea; to be shown all on one tray. One entry —Mrs R. M'Donald. Home-made bread (white). Four entries —Miss Braudigam 1, Mrs R. M'Donald 2, Miss E. Edgar 3. Home-made bread (white); open to exhibitors who have never taken a first or second prize. Three entries —Mrs W. Telfer 1, Miss K. Edgar 2, Miss L. Rodger Home-made bread (brown). Three entries—Mrs R. M'Donald 1, Miss L. Rodger 2, Mrs W. Williams 3. Plate of Pikelets. Four entries —Mrs R. M'Donald L-Mrs D. Beatie. jttnr. 2, Miss E. Edgar 3. Strawberry jam. Twelve entries —Miss Macnee 1, Mrs W. Telfer 2, Miss F. Perry 3, Mrs W. J. Sinclair h.c. Jam, other than strawberry. Eleven entries—Miss Macnee 1, .Mrs John Fleming 2, Mrs R. A. Rodger 3, Mrs W. Webb h.c. Jelly. Five entries —Mrs W. Telfer 1, Mrs R. M'Donald 2, Miss M'Beath 3. Oatcake (pure oatmeal). Two entries— Mrs W. Telfer 1, Mrs R. M'Donald 2. Shortbread. Five entries—Mrs R. M'Donald 1, Miss E. Edgar 2, Miss Perry Shortbread (novice class). Three entries— Mrs W. Telfer 1, Miss E. Edgar 2. ' COMPETITIONS. Trotting pony (under 147,- hands). —J. M'Beath 1, J. M'Mullan 2, L. Jones 3. Trotting pony (under 13 hands). —L. Jones 1, H. Spittle 2. Polo race —Miss K. Woods 1 and 2.

OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. A meeting of the committee of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held on Thursday morning. Mr W. O. M'Kellar presided. . It was decided that the suggested alteration of the rules of the society be held over until next meeting. The Finance Committee's report, recommending that accounts amounting to £270 19s 2d be passed for payment was adopted. It was decided that the annual ram and owe fair should be held at Burnside on Thursday, March 24. The dates for the Winter Show were fixed for May 51, June 1. 2, and 3. The secretary was instructed to arrange with Messrs Fuller and Sons for the use of the Victoria Kall, Fuller’s Hr" and the theatre annexe for these dates. A considerable amount of correspondence was read between the society and the Dunedin Stock and Wool Brokers’ Association, and. the New Zealand Wool Buyers’ Association in reference to the selling of star lots of wool.. The Wool Brokers’ Association, of Christchurch, wrote advising that the alteration was made at the urgent request of the Wool Buyers’ Association, and the matter had been fully discussed for some considerable time. The general opinion there was that the new regulation would not in any way affect small lots which were now grouped, and better prices were invariably obtained. .The Minister of Agriculture wrote advising that the department had already approached some one to act on the Advikiry in connection with th o establishment of an Agricultural College. This was noted, and regret was expressed that Mr James Begg was unable to act as a member of the council. Mr F. R. Mee, of. r>ecks. forwarded a cheque for £5 to assist the funds of the society.—This was received with thanks, and the secretary was instructed to acknowledge it. Tile Boy Scouts’ Association was granted the use of the building at Tahuna Park for training purposes, and the Park for the purpose of holding a parade. The Dunedin Fanciers’ Club's application for the use of Brydone Hall on June 9, 10, and 11 to hold its annual fanciers’ show was granted, subject to the usual conditions. LONDON WOOL SALES. (From Ole Special Correspondent.) CONTINUED SOUND DEMAND FOR RAW MATERIAL. LONDON, December 1. The London sales are making satisfactory progress. The attendance continues to be excellent and a cheerful tone prevails. Buyers have not lost- their head. Nearly every series this year the end has been about the same as the beginning. there being very little variation in prices. This is very satisfactory,

though one could not expect much change during seven months of a national coal strike. The miners have now gone back with conditions which they could have had at the beginning, and so saved the nation . a year of commercial disaster. All this has had iter*~effect upon the course of values in London. We have thought all along that there was sufficient latent power to stimulate the entire industry, and are certain that we should have seen better times if the strike had not taken place. STEADY OPERATIONS AT LATE RATES. Last Monday there was a very decent display of both merino and crossbred wool. One cannot but observe that among the New Zealand offerings slipes and scoureds predominated. On some days the display of greasy crossbreds has been better than others. The last New Zealand clip has now been about got through, and I fully expect that at the end of the current series whatever wools are held over of New Zealand origin will be entirely slipes and scoureds. It is just possible that fair weights of these will be carried forward. They are now the longest in staple, being the last slipes from the freezing works before they closed down for the winter. They should be reopened in Deceniber, when the short clothing wools will come forward for the March series. This means that'the current and the first series in the new year will be the time for a clearing up of the old season’s slipes and scoureds. Tt is well worth noting in passing that during the recent interval several dealers said that they found a fairly good demand for slipe halfbred lambs and some decent fine crossbred scoureds, but there was verylittle doing in three-quarterbred, Leicester’s, and Lincoln wools. Of course, the winter season for blankets is nearly over, and the coal strike has dealt to shopkeepers a very serious blow. All the halfbred lambs go into Cheviot tweeds, and these sell the year round. However, the decline in slipes is only a good 5 per cent., and that is nothing to quibble about, except that it may mean a loss instead of a profit. I find that slipe halfbred lambs are selling anywhere from 2ld to 24d, it depending a good deal upon the quality. Some are called halfbreds that are only 50 s quality, though wc prefer these wools to be 56’s. Nico threequarterbred lambs are selling anywhere from 18d to 19d. Leicester lambs have sold up to 16-Jd and Lincoln lambs 14-Jd. Slipe halfbred clothing touched 17d, three-quarterbred 164 d. scoured halfbred 29d, and fine crossbred 19-A<l—prices which seem to indicate a steady, healthymarket. At the same time one must admit that most of the slipe crossbreds are 10 per cent, below last series. This is rather a big reduction. Some owners of these wools are not bringing out their stocks until January, hoping that in the meantime Yorkshire and Scottish mills will all get on to full time. French buyers are not touching these wools; in fact the reserve that they arc showing stands out in very sharp contrast to what has happened during the earlier series this year. The market is steady for both shoe and scoured crossbreds. MERINOS SELLING READILY.

The better offerings consist of new clip merinos, and here well-known brands from Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia are making the catalogues. We nowadays get practically no straight growers’ clips from Victoria or South Australia. These wools are mostlysold where grown, and,, apart from speculators lots, one has to be cotitent valuing the clips from the first three States named. Queensland has been well to the front, and some very- nice wools indeed have been catalogued. JM/Rosevale made 4aid for a very nice line of really good scoureds. The work put into these wools showed that great care had been exercised in the scouring, and the parcel faultless- 88/Boggewong touched 4oad for the combing, pieces 35d, bellies 35d, and locks 26d. Perhaps the best and the biggest clips came from New South Wales. The well-known Goonoo Goonoo clip .has been about the best so. tar , catalogued. It was of outstanding merit, and always commands excellent competition. It came up last week in very good order, being well grown, good 70s quality, though burry, as usual. The top line of combing touched 264 d other lots making 24-Jd and 22|d, broken 21d to 19 2 d, and bellies 16Jd. Then Goondoobluie was represented by 695 bales, the top line of combing making 24-ld, other lots realising 24d to 20jd, necks 22id to 214 d broken 20-Jd to 18Jd, pieces 20d to 174 d, bellies 17d, lambs 17d, and greasy comeback 19d. This is a well-known clip good 64-66 s quality, shafty, but a little on the burry side NAG & Co/Raby sold up to 23£d for the combing, bellies 15d. lambs 184 d, and scoured pieces 23d, bellies 2ld, and locks 22d. Millroy saw the greasy combing touch 25d, other lots making 23d and 204 d, necks 23Jd and 22d, broken 23Jd, pieces 19d, and bellies 174 d. No one can find fault with these wools, for they were well grown and very acceptable. Amon g the West Australian clips was Senucircle/Cross, this being represented by 706 bales. There was plenty of quality, but'plenty of earth and sand besides. The greasy merino combing touched 17d, other lots making 16Jd to 15d, broken 144 d to 14d, pieces 164 d to 13d, and bellies 13d, the clip being partly withdrawn. There ought to have been more French competition to lift this wool; for it was essentially suited for their reLooking over the week’s auctions, I am satisfied that the position is a sound one. French competition has been largely suspended, although Alsatian spinners are giving a fair measure of support. There is also a little less doing on Swiss account, Germany and the home trade being the life of the series. However, the catalogues are being cleared, in a most creditable manner, and we are glad to feel that at last the wool trade is coming into its own. CLEAN SCOURED COSTS. As an indication of the course of clean scoured prices compared with the close ot the previous sales, the following figures, compiled by Messrs Kreglinger and Fernau after the opening, will be of interest. It will be seen that they'give the cost of all descriptions some pence below the close of the previous series. The greatest decline is shown in the finest merinos and faulty classes, medium and coarse crossbreds being about a penny down;— s

THE POSITION IN BRADFORD. The position in Bradford has not altered a great deal during the past week. Topmakers have dope so much new business recently that they are not at the moment keen about any further commitments. At the same time some business is passing in fine qualities and the tendency of prices is firm. This is partly due to the present position in which most topmakers find themselves, and partly to the selling values of tops being scarcely up to cost m London, Australian markets being more attractive from that point of view. Quotations for merino tops are around, a penny per lb above a 'week ago, though it does not follow that business is being done at any more money. The firmness in crossbreds in New Zealand is also so marked that, local houses interested in this description are compelled to keep quotations fully up to the previous level.

Oct. 6. Nov. 26. Description. Pence Pencw per lb. per lb. 70’s superior fleeces .. 53 49 64-67's good medium fleeces 46 44 60-64’s good medium fleeces 44 40 64 s good pieces 45 41 60’s good pieces .... 42 38 58-60’s good medium fleeces 39 37 56’s fine crossbred fleeces . . 30 28 50-56’s fine crossbred fleeces 28 26 46-50’s crossbred fleeces 22 20 46’s crossbred fl’eeces . . 20 19 44’s crossbred fleeces . . .. 19 18 36-44’s crossbred fleeces 18 17 60-64’s good carbonising pieces 42 39 60-64’s carbonising pieces and bellies .. . . ,, 41 38 64’s average locks 32 29 64 s average lambs . . .. 36 33