STOCK MARKETS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1164, 3 November 1917, Page 2

STOCK MARKETS.

FIRMER VALUES. The immediate effect of tlie recent rains was seen at the Addington market this week in the firmer tone which prevailed iu most sections. Store sheep recovered considerably from the set-hack of the previous week. It was noticeable, however, that shorn sheep attracted the most demand. The reason for this is possibly owing to the result which has attended the shearing in most districts. It is an undoubted fact that the clip in many instances has not come ii]) to expectations. Where, say, it was thought 101b of wool would be secured, the weighing has actually produced not much more than 81b. This is the result of weather conditions. What is really needed is a few weeks of line weather which will bring out the greases from the skin into the fleece. True, clean wool may bring a little more per lb, but then with the grease in there will be more lbs in the ileece. For this reason it may be that the later shearing will be more successful. Whilst on the subject of shearing, it is understood that the cold conditions which have resulted several times lately have caused a fair mortality amongst sheep in certain parts of Xorth Canterbury which have just come off the shears. In spite of expected labour difficulties the collecting of the wool is proceeding apace. A gentleman who visited Southland nearly a fortnight ago informed the writer that he noticed shorn sheep there—certainly extremely early for this district. One fact which helped to firm the store market was that it is unlikely that the south will send a great number of sheep forward from now on, although a few dealers' lines were railed up on Wednesday. In fact, fewer Southland sheep were sent into the fat pens and although the south has undoubtedly prevented what would have been a serious mutton shortage during the past few months, Xorth Canterbury should now' be able to produce the necessary "fats" for its own requirements. Wednesday's sale illustrated this, for in spite of the fact that butchers had to purchase a two-weeks' supply, values were well below those ruling a fortnight ago. Butchers should also soon be in a much better position from the purchasing aspect, for after the Metropolitan Show it is possible that fat ewes will begin to edme forward in increasing numbers. Pigs for bacon are still declining in value and another farthing a lb decrease was recorded on Wednesday. It is not surprising, therefore, that the store pig market is beginning to show a certain reflex. NATIVE.