STOCK MARKETS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1360, 22 June 1918, Page 2

STOCK MARKETS.

PENNING METHODS. It has long been apparent that the present methods of penning cattle adopted at the Addington Metropolitan Market are antiquated and not in keeping with what one would expect at the premier stock sale in the Dominion. Under the system in vogue injury to the beasts often results, and the opportunity of proper inspection is lacking. The beasts are placed in pens which often contain six to 12 apiece, and it is inevitable that damage through overcrowding is frequent, especially as the animals often become frantic with excitement through the presence of the crowd. These criticisms particularly apply in the dairy section, and a number of condemnatory remarks on the subject were passed amongst the crowd at Wednesday's sale. In fact, a proposal was then mooted to convene a meeting of dairymen to protest. The system desired —and which it is contended would not cause more space to be necessary —is for the animals to be sopurfdely stalled and led forth as required for sale in a large central ring. Advocates of this scheme contend that it would present no insurmountable difficulties to bring it into operation. It may be remarked that the Saleyards Company has latterly been improving the store sheep yards by the introduction of concrete paving, whilst it is also building further office accommodation.

Imperial Purchases. It is a matter of congratulation that the Imperial Government has purchased next season's wool (dip, and, in fact, the wool return for the duration of the war and for one year thereafter, on the price schedule which has been in operation during the past two seasons. This purchase will be one that is entirely satisfactory to the producer, more so by reason of the fact that values for stock will now have a stability over a term. This statement is qualified by eventualities in the freezing business, for the terms of the overseas purchase of next season's mutton have yet to be announced. A rumour has been current that the Imperial purchase of next season's clip applies only to greasy wools, but inquiries made fail to show any justification for this statement, although at present there is rather an annoying lack of details. The main matter, however, causing concern at present is the shipping position. Prospects at present are far from roseate. Only about half of this season's clip has been shipped, and it, looks as though the new season will commence with storage accommodation at a premium. The whole local storage position is a serious one. Fortunately a, fair amount of insulated space is available—and in this respect recent additions which were later considered as unnecessary will possibly be justified—but it is in the housing of wool that some trouble and expense may be caused. Even a corrugated iron shelter which at one period would have been the solution would now be prohibit've in cost, even if materials were avail able. NATIVE.