COMMERCIAL.

Western Star, 27 April 1920, Page 3

COMMERCIAL.

SOUTHLAND STOCK AND PRODUCE MARKET. Through, a misunderstanding there was a poor yarding of all classes of stock at Wallacetown. The majority of the fat cattle forward was prime beef and, although the butchers bad a week’s supply in hand, prices were on a par with late rates. Only a small lot of fat sheep were offered at auction during the week, amongst these being some extra prime . ewes which sold at 43/6. But the prices for medium ewes and wethers were inclined to drop 6d to 1/- per head. There has been very little doing privately in store cattle, and in the case of the majority that have been yarded purchasers’ ideas have not come up to vendors’. , Dairy heifers have been selling exceedingly well at clearing sales, as high as £ll being paid. Dairy cows also, have met a keen demand when known to come from factory suppliers. During the week there has been a large number of 4,6, and 8-tooth ewes offering, and sales have been effected at 2G/to 27/-, but the market shows an inclination to drop. Two-tooths have been inquired for, and two-tooth wethers are selling at least 2/- per head better than ewes. There is practically no demand' at present for 4,6, and 8-tooth wethers, hut capable judges anticipate a rise. Oats. —The market is finmi, but not by any means animated. Farmers are still holding out for high prices, and 5/1 has been paid during the week, but many are. not willing to sell even at that figure. Sellers in the North Island have reduced their quotation for oats for forward delivery and these can now he bought to-day at equal to about 4/8, on trucks, for B Giartons. Chaff.—The market continues fairly firm, the current value being about £6 15/-, on trucks, for good new chaff. Potatoes.—*So far not many have been offered and growers seem inclined to stick out for higher prices than merchants are prepared to give. On the other hand, Auckland brokers state that sales have been toade for forward delivery, April, May, June, faiir average quality, at £6 15/-, f.0.b., s.i., which is equal to not more than £5 5/- on trucks. Hemp.—The market is quieter and buyers arc prepared to operate only on the basis of about £3l, on trucks, for fair. If shipping opportunities were more frequent prices would he higher. . , Ryegrass. —There is very little seed now offering from the country, while holders are firm. It is expected that business will he a little quiet during the next few months, hut that it will liven up in the spring-