FINAL SALE AT CHRISTCHURCH

Southland Times, Issue 23793, 15 April 1939, Page 8

FINAL SALE AT CHRISTCHURCH

Little Competition From France BUYERS OPERATE ON RESTRICTED LIMITS INTERNATIONAL SITUATION BLAMED (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, April 14. Merino wools and shabbier halfbreds which formed the largest proportion of the offering were cheaper at the fourth and final Christchurch wool sale than at the third sale in March. Crossbreds, of which there was a big offering from Chatham Islands and the West Coast, sold fully firm on recent rates and were inclined to be dearer. Better-class topmaking halfbreds were from par to slightly lower than at the last sale. Pieces of all sorts, except crossbreds, dropped sharply mainly because French competition, usually the mainstay of this market, was very restricted because of the international situation.

The catalogue was of 29,612 bales, but mainly because of poor demand for fine high country wools, about 14 per cent, was passed. The sale had little animation except for crossbreds and the result to a large number of runholders would be most disappointing. The top price for the sale was 14ad, paid for three bales of halfbred sold under the brand “Ashdeen.” Six bales of halfbred ewe wool from the Beckenham Hills estate of Mr W. A„ White made 133 d, and the same price was paid for 12 bales from’ the Denbrae clip from the estate of Mr M. A. Brown, Waiau. The best price at the April sale last year was 15]d and the year before 24£d. The top Merino price was 12}d for 17 bales of hogget wool from Murchison Bros., Lake Coleridge. Corriedales, of which there was a small selection, made up to 12,“d, that price being paid for 16 bales from the Salix clip of Mr A. G. Black, Cui verden.

QUIET OPENING The sale started quietly and it became apparent at once that the market for Merinos and unattractive halfbreds that form the bulk of the high country offering was poor. Merinos were back up to I’d on the March sale and were back 2d on the last Timaru sale where the first considerable Merino offering in Canterbury came forward. Average to good topmaking halfbreds from easier country and the front hills met steady sale at about the same rates as at the third Christchurch sale and all crossbreds were eagerly sought at full late rates. Pieces were back by la to l-Jd except crossbred pieces which were firm. ' Bradford bought most freely throughout the day, concentrating on crossbreds. There was some German buying of all types and the Continent was fairly active. Some Japanese and American orders were filled though these were not large. The main development was the exceedingly modest buying on behalf of France. The fourth sale is generally a Continental market but France yesterday showed only very moderate interest and the few .buyers operating were doing so to limits unusually restricted for France. The restraint was due entirely to the disturbing overseas situation. Local mills bid only seldom for Merinos in contrast to the Timaru sale where they were eagerly in the market for this type. Local scourers as usual bought freely of the less attractive wools. OFFICIAL REPORT The official report stated: “There was a full attendance of buyers. The offering was mainly drawn from the nigh country, the West Coast and Chatham Islands, with a few later shorn plains clips. As usual at this sale most of the wools were rather shabby and discoloured. Yolk stain was fairly general and this condition was considerably worse than at earlier sales. “Competition was rather irregular, especially for Merinos, which met a disappointing sale. Average halfbreds and crossbreds sold comparatively well, but piece wools of all descriptions were most erratic and showed a considerable decline from our previous sales. The main competition came from Bradford, with Germany competing well for average to good halfbreds. French buyers were also operating, but at considerably reduced limits, and their purchases were comparatively small. Local scourers helped the market for low-grade wools, which were in large supply, and these sold up to expectations. Passings were not unduly heavy and sales approximated 85 per cent, of the offering.” RANGE OF PRICES ■ The official range of prices was:— d. d.

Merino 64’s-70’s, 6O’s-64’ Super 10} to 12.} Average , 9 to 10} Inferior 52 to 8 Corriedale — Super 11} to 122 Average 10 to 11} Inferior 7 to 82 Fine Halfbred 56’s-58’s— Extra super to 14} Super 11} to 122 Average 10 to 11} Inferior 7 to 8} Medium Halfbred 50 s-56 s— Super 11 to 12 Average 9} to 102 Inferior 6 to 8 Extra Fine Crossbred 48s-50s— Super 10 to 11 Average 9 to 9} Inferior 6} to 8 Medium Crossbred 44s-46s— Super 9} to 10} Average 8} to 9} Inferior 6 to 8 PIECES Merino— Good to super 8} to 92 Low to medium 6 to 8 Halfbred — Good to super 7} to 10} Low to medium 5} to 7} Crossbred — Good to super 7} to 82 Low to medium 5} to 7 BELLIES Merino — Good to super 7 to 7} Low to medium 6 to 64 Halfbred— Good to super 7 to 8} Low to medium 5 to 62 Crossbred — Good to super 6 to 7 Low to. medium 4} to 52 CRUTCHINGS Halfbred— Good to super 6 to 61 Low to medium 31 to 51

Crossbred — Good to super 6 to 8 Low to medium 31 to 51 LOCKS Merino 4 to 4! Halfbred 31 to 41 Crossbred 3 to 4