HAWKES BAY RAM FAIR

Southland Times, Issue 22489, 25 January 1935, Page 8

HAWKES BAY RAM FAIR

EASIER VALUES FOR FLOCK ROMNEYS. BETTER SORTS IN DEMAND. (Per United Press Association.) Hastings, January 24. For all except the best classes of sheep, values for flock Romneys were easier at the first day’s selling at the Hawkes Bay ram fair, held to-day. The entry was larger than last year, there being 3585 Romneys offered as against 3160.

The sale opened well, but the demand slackened with progress of selling, and towards the close of the day buyers were taking very little interest in any but better sorts. Passings were consequently more frequent, and only a moderate percentage of the pens reached over five guineas. Attractive pens of rams were assured of good reception, and sold at prices much on a par with those obtained last year. Finer woolled sheep were chiefly sought after.

Buyers were confronted to-day with the results of the Romney-Marsh Association’s certification scheme, whereby flock and stud rams are inspected by representatives of the association and are either approved or not for breeding purposes. This did not appear to influence buyers to any extent, and uncertified lines sold equally well. The Manawatu and Wairarapa breed-

ers were chiefly represented with Feilding vendors securing most of the best prices. Mr W. H. Henson (Feilding) averaged nine guineas for 60 rams, and Mr F. O Stack (Kiwitea) averaged 11 guineas for 37 rams. Mr Stack secured the top price of 15 guineas. Sir William Perry’s entries made to 13 guineas A few Corriedale and Lincoln flock rams sold quietly. Stud rams and flock Southdowns will be sold to-morrow.