FINAL TRANSACTIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19762, 18 December 1935, Page 11

FINAL TRANSACTIONS.

BACKWARD EXPORT SEASON. MARKETS IN WAIKATO. LITTLE ACTIVITY REPORTED. The final transactions for Ihc year reflect the buoyant tone that has persisted for most classes on the Waikato market during the past 12 months. The year has finished with a quiet demand for sheep and this perhaps was indicative of the demand that has existed over the whole year, the sheep section being characterised by frequent fluctuations in the price level, although values have to be considered satisfactory because of the very weak export position. The highlight of the year’s transactions has been the firm demand for beef which extended over the whole season, competition between export buyers and buyers existing to the benefit of vendors at all sale centres. As far as the present export season is concerned unfavourable weather experienced in the early spring has made it unusually late. Figures supplied by the New' Zealand Meat Producers’ Board show that shipments of all •classes of meat, except mutton and chilled beef, for the two months ended November 30 were lower 1 than the previous season. While 320,070 oarcases of lambs were exported for this period last year only 292,556 have been exported for the corresponding period this season. Frozen beef has also shown a substantial decline, only 49,624 quarters being shipped as against 75,769 last season. A similar decline was shown with boneless beef, 22,645 bags being exported as against ’52,725. It is not surprising to see that there was a decline of almost 50 per cent in the number of porkers exported as the lateness of. the dairying season naturally affected the production of pork, only 55,760 carcases be-

ing shipped as against 106.736 in the period under review last season. The rapid expansion of Ihe chilled meat trade is indicated by ihe fact that notwithstanding a more backward season 1.1,650 quarters were shipped in comparison with 3496 last year. A substantial increase was also shown In the export of mutton, last year’s figure of 125,190 carcases increasing to 277,928 carcases this year. Activity in Waikato. Heavy crops of hay and ensilage have been reported throughout the

district and farmers have now ample reserves against the possibility of a drought while they have also the as- ' surance of adequate winter supplies. Ideal harvesting weather has been experienced during the past four weeks which has proved not only a great 'convenience in finishing the work as speedily as possible, but it has also tended to Improve the quality of the hay. No unusual movement can be reported on Waikato markets for the week. Beef cattle have been on offer in slightly increased numbers and have been meeting a firm market at all centres. Sheep have experienced a slower sale, and ewes particularly have been dull, although breeding sorts met a ready market. Large ventings of pigs have been a. litlle stronger in lone during Ihe past week. Beef Easier. The outstanding feature of the beef market was Ihe substantial drop recorded at the central yards yesterday when prices per head for ox receded by fully £1 and the price per :1001b by 2s. Cow and heifer beef did not maintain the improved prices received the previous week and there was an easing of values for all classes. The decline in values could be attributed to the lack of interest on the part of; export buyers and in a less degree to the larger supply of ox beef. Cow and heifer, however, was only In average supply and the size of the yarding apparently had no affect ,on competition. At Morrinsvllle on Friday the market was firm for cow and heifer, but was a shade easier for ox beef. At other Waikato centres j and at city centres the level has remained generally steady. !

Demand Fop Sheep, The best sale experienced for sheep for some -weeks was held at the central yards yesterday when an extra large yarding was traded at firmer values. The demand by butchers for Christmas supplies was probably responsible. for Ihe improvement, ibis being particularly noticeable in ihe case of lambs. The largest entry of this class this season met keen com- j petition at prices ranging up to '2ss fid, j extra prime sorts being rapidly cleared, i The feature of the sale yesterday was | the substantial improvement shown ; for ewes which have been meeting a ! very dull sale at all centres recently. At Morrinsvillo on Friday the market was dull for a moderate yarding, hoggets being the only class to be iirm at the previous week’s rates.