EXPORT BUYERS REFUSE TO OPERATE AT SALE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17738, 7 January 1926, Page 8

EXPORT BUYERS REFUSE TO OPERATE AT SALE.

HA WARDEN AUCTION OF FATS POSTPONED.

An experience unique in the history stock markets of Canterbury is reported from Ha warden to-day. For the fortnightly market, there was an of 1857 fat sheep and lambs, most oijthc entries being of prime quality. sooner were the sheep penned than wdrd went around that, owing to the suljtude likely to be taken up by the botchers in regard to the refusal of their applications for an increase of pay, it was probable that the sale of the fats would have to be abandbtied. Before noon, it was known that tTu export buyers had received definite instructions from their principals not to operate. For some time there seemed. to be indecision as to what was to bft done.

J, "rt | £ventually* it was learnt that the first pen of lambs was to be offered. Mr Bruce, auctioneer for Messrs artd Co., started the sale without comment on the situation ■with a pen of •ipih ty lambs. Based on the prices ruling at Addington yesterday, they lie worth 27s 6d a head. The highest bid was 24s 3d, which, of course, the owner did not accept. Mr Bruce explained the poaition. confirming the report that rtfe export buyers could not operate. i£ then suggested that it would be ■mime to cancel the sale for fats, and appealed to Mr J. K. Forrester, chairman of the Saleyards Company, for a decision. Mr Forrester fell in with the suggestion, which met with unanimous approval. Jt was decided that the sale should take place on Tuesday next.