COMMERCIAL.

Western Star, 30 October 1917, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

SOUTHLAND STOCK AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

The following is a summary of the above markets for last week:

hat Cattle.—Ox beef, 48/6 to 50/-; heifer, 46/6 to 48/-; cow, about 45/-.

Fat Sheep.—Extra prime wethers, up to 47/6; prime, 44/- to 45/6; medium, 42/- to 43/6; lighter sorts between 39/- and 40/-, Very few ewes are offering. Store Cattle.—Three and 31-year-ohl bullocks, £l4 to £ls 10/-; two and 24-year-old, £ll 10/- to £l3 10/-; yearling steers, £6 10/- to £7 10/-; calves, £4 10/- to £6. Empty two-year-old heifers, £7 10/- to £9. Empty cows, £6 to £9 10/-, according to condition. Dairy cows have sold well in the yards during the week, making from £lO to £ls. Store Sheep.—Extra, good m.s. hoggets, 34/6 to 36/6; prime, 32/- to 33/6; lighter sort, 29/6 to 31/-. Twotooth wethers, good, 38/- to 40/6; lesser quality, 36/6 to 37/6. Closewoolecl wethers (not in much demand), 32/- to 34/6. Aged ewes (with about 100 per cent, lambs), from, 19/6 to 23/6 (all counted). Off young ewes with lambs there are not many offering, but two and four-tooth are worth from 24/- to 26/- (all counted). Oats.—The market has been quiet, and with a view to cleaning; out their stores merchants have been somewhat forcing sales. The market dropped back a little in consequence', but seems now inclined to be firmer again. Farmers continue to be firm holders, in fact very few of them are selling. On the basis of recent sales merchants would have to buy at about 3/7 for “A” Gartens, 3/6 for “TVs” are from 3/3 to 3/4 for f.a.q. There are, however, no farmers willing to sell at those figures.

Chaff.—The market continues firm and £6 0.t.,' has been paid for prime quality. Although chaff is not offering very freely at present, merchants are of opinion that there is sufficient jn the district to supply local demands until the advent of the new season’s crop.

Potatoes. —Potatoes have been a disappointing commodity right through the season. It looked early in- the season as if they were quite safe to ■see higher figures. Instead of that, tire market has declined until to-day prime table are worth only from £2 IC/- to £2 15/-, o.t. These low prices, however, do not interest growers, and we should not be surprised to see the market firm up slightly. Ryegrass.—There is very little doing in ryegrass beyond the retail orders which are generally placed about this season of the year. The wholesale demand is quiet as it is yet too early for the North Island to buy any seed for autumn requirements, and as far as the spring sowing is concerned, the weather in the Auckland district especially seems to l)e altogether against' sowing operations.

Hemp.—The market remains unchanged, with a tendency in favour of buyers. About £52, 0.t., is what is offering to-day for high-fair.— ‘ Times.’