COMMERCIAL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19890, 18 March 1939, Page 10

COMMERCIAL

WAIKATO STOCK MARKETS WEATHER AFFECTS PRICES STORE CATTLE CHEAPER Tiie dry spell in the Waikato was broken by a light rain during the week-end, but the fall was insufficient to do a great amount of good, and the effects of the prolonged dry spell are starting to be reflected in the stock markets. The annual autumn cattle fairs are now commencing, and a good rain would be of immense value to these fixtures. The present prospects for these fairs are not nearly as bright as at this time last year, and vendors of store cattle will undoubtedly have to accept considerably lower prices. Another contributing factor to the lower rates which may be expected for store cattle is that values lor beef have fallen and, owing to the limited shipping space in sight at the present time, prospects are that prices for fat cattle will not improve for some time vet.

Although a large proportion of the requirements for breeding ewes has been filled, there are still a limited number of buyers in the market who are prepared to operate at reduced prices. At the Morrinsville market there was again a number of consignments of southern ewes and in spite of being late in the season, they realised satisfactory prices. Buyers who have not yet filled their requirements are now able to do so at prices 2s to 3s a head below those ruling earlier in the season.