SOME DRAB PRICES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 142, 18 June 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

SOME DRAB PRICES

DOES FARMING PAY? Sales of stock that occasionally take place at Addington market suggest in rather a grim way the above sub-head-ing, states the Christchurch Press. It was a boast for years, on behalf of Addington, that, no matter what drifted into the yards in tho way of stock, a market could be obtained for it. Even the “gummiest” and most decrepit of ewes could be assured of a few shillings’ return. However, it is a moot point if the claim still holds. Many pens of fair conditioned sheep capable of produc ing another lamb under suitable feed conditions have been disposed of at Is 6d to 2s a head. Recently one lot of derelicts brought 3d a head and a second one sd. At these prices, of course, they did not. pay removal from the farm and yard fees. Last week a pen of 76 Merino wethers, described as six and eight-tooth, were offered. There was no bid per head after a friendly invitation to start at 6d, and an offer for “the lot” was suggested. A ton shillings’ bid started the proceedings, and eventually the pen was knocked down at 365, nr less than fid a head. The cost of railing the sheep to tho yards was £3 odd. yard foes on the pen wore 9s. and incidentals (vorv much an •‘incidental” in ’ tho matter of commission) completed a rather drab balance-sheet. Another pen of Merino wethers was offered as “home niuttoners” at Is .1(ld a head- Ono run off of ten wasold, and the balance passed. Such experiences are not confined to low grade, stock. A Mothven farmer recently sent to Addington two sealers (calved in August last), and. after railage, yard fees, eonitnision. etc.. had been paid, he received 5s fid for the two beasts!