ADDINGTON MARKET

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23280, 16 August 1945, Page 2

ADDINGTON MARKET

SHARP RISE IN PRICE OF BEEF (N.Z.P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 15. Owing to the bad weather of last week, all entries at Addington to-day showed a decrease, and the recent good prices for fat stock were fully maintained, and in the beef section showed a substantial increase. Store Sheep.—There was a small entry in the store sheep section, only 1193 being penned, comprising 673 ewes, 171 wethers, and 349 hoggets. The attendance of buyers also was small, but prices nevertheless were satisfactory and there was keen competition for all offerings. Fat Sheep.—The entry was approximately 3000 and again included several pens of high-class wethers and ewes, which realised high prices. All butchers operated freely, and although many filled their quota and left the sale early because of the closing of their shops after the declaration of peace, a consistent demand was maintained throughout the sale. Most attention was paid to best quality sheep and other classes were inclined to drag. Prices for wethers did not show any change on the good prices of last week, but there was a slight rising tendency for best ewes. The highest price for wethers was 70,1 and for ewes 47/4.

Fat Cattle.—The uncertainty as to when Peace Day would fall and its effect on the preparation of meat for the retail trade, combined with the oversupply of show and other prime beef at last week’s market, affected today’s beef entry, which was the smallest for many years. It numbered 284 head, compared with average yardings recently of nearly double. The effect was a sharp jump In values of approximately £3 a head for primest sorts, and up to £2/10/- on average beef. Cows sold at a rise of more than £2 a head. The market was dearer than that of the National sale. Good prices continued throughout, and in the scramble for supplies nothing was passed at auction. Best beef maae from 58/- to 60/-, good to 57/-. medium to 53/-, best cow beef to 43/-, and secondary to 37/- per 1001 b. Prime steers made to £29/17/6. Fat Pigs.—The entry of porkers was small and all classes were keenly competed for at full schedule rates. Choppers were in medium supply, and although values were easier in the early stages thev improved later and the sale concluded with prices fully up to last week’s Show rates. Baconers were forward in medium numbers, but because of the uncertainty regarding the killing of stock the market eased by fully 5/- to 8/- a head.