Commercial.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 234, 26 October 1877, Page 13

Commercial.

Mb. Henry Driver (on behalf of the N.Z. L. and M,A. Company, reports for the week ending October 24: — Fat Cattle — 165 head were yarded to-day, which, although not an excessive supply seemed to be more than the trade required, and it was difficult to dispose of them at prices over about 30s per 1001 b. for prime quality. Best bullocks brought from £10 10s to £17 ; do. cows, £9 to £13. At the yards we sold 49 head on account of Hugh Mclntyre, Esq., of merino downs at above quotations. Fat Calves — Only about ten were penned, and, being inferior in quality, brought 12s 6d to 35s each. Fat Sheep — 1,600 were penned, all of which were sold at about last week's rates. Best crossbrals in the wool brought from 17s to 21s 6d each, the latter price being obtained for a fine draft from Mr. J. F. Kitching, Moa Flat Station. Shorn crossbreds from 11s to 16s. The average price of the day we must scarcely consider 3k' in the wool. We sold at the yards, and privately, 700. Fat Lambs— A veiy large supply of 400 penned, and, except for best quality, it was difficult to place them. Best lambs brought from 9s to 108 6d, inferior, 4s to 7s 6d. We sold 140. Store Sheep — No transactions to report. Store Cattle — A fair demand is springing up for quiet cattle for pasture grazing, but buyers are very unwilling to give the prices which have been ruling the last two seasons, owing to the continued low rates for beef. There will, however, be a large number required for paddocks in Molyneux, Taieri, and Oamaru districts, and we believe fair prices will be obtained. Wool — A private telegram received during the week reports the Home market unchanged, and arrivals up to date at 85,000 bales. After a review of the catalogues and account sales to hand by last mail, growers have generally reason to be gratified with the results. The demand for combing wool seems to have been good, and in some instances really good prices obtained ; and, although we do not antipate a decline for next series, we see no reason to hold out hope for any material improvement. Sheepskins— Our weekly sale on Monday last was well patronised by the trade, and a large catalogue of about 2,500 skins of very good quality was offered for sale, and prices, on account of the still eager competition, ruled quite as high, and in some instances higher than last week. Buyers seemed very willing to operate, even at the enhanced prices. Our quotations are for crossbreds, 3s 2d to 5s 9d ; merinos, 2s to 4s 8d ; full wool, 5s 6d, a few lambs realising Is 7d each. Hides — The supply, though small, seems fully equal to the demand, and when we cannot chronicle any more firmness, there is at least no dimunition in value, which still rules up to last quotations. Tallow — The market is duller than we have seen it for some time past, and this is partly attributable to the news from Home, and the scarcity of means of shipment; but when the wool season commencjL we hope to see more animation, as freights will then be cheaj.W We sold medium quality at 31s lOd ; rough fat, 225. Gi A n — There is absolutely nothing of any importance doing, and our quotations are merely nominal. Wheat dull at 7s for finest samples. Fowls feed a little demand for at 3s 9d to 4s 3d. Oats are not so firm as last quotations, but holders are stiff in their demands, sales in consequence have not been of much importance, the ruling rates are — Good feed sorts, 3s Id to 3s 3d ; milling, 3s 4d to 3s 6d. Barley, a really first class sample, would meet with ready sale, and we could place a lot at 4s to 4s 4d. laferior lots no enquiry and dull of sale. Mb J. Fleming reports (wholesale prices) for the week ending Oct. 17, 1877, as follows :— Oats (feed) per bushel, 3s to 3s 3d. Wheat (chicks), 4s to 4s 6d. Barley, malting, 4s to 4s 6d ; feed, 3s to 3s 6d. Pollard, £6 10s. Bran, £4 ss, bags included. Flour, large bags, £16 10s to £17"; Oatmeal, £17. Potatoes, £2 10s per ton. Hay, £5 per ton. Chaff, £5 per ton. Straw, £2 per ton. Mb J. Vezey reports for the week ending Oct. 17, 1877, retail : Roasting beef, 5d to 8d per ft ; boiling do., 3d to 5d per lb ; stewing do, 4d to 6d per ft ; steak, 6d'to 8d per lb ; mutton, 2£d to odper lb ; veal, 4d to Sd per ft ; pork 6d to 8d per ft ; lamb 3s to 4s per quarter. Mr. A. Mekcer's market report for the week ending October 25. Retail prices only. Fresh butter, in and 1 ft prints, 7d to 9d ; extra brands, £ ft, Is. Fresh butter, in lumps, 8d fresh ; and salt lOd. Fresh butter is very plentiful, and the market overstocked, and no sale for salt butter, prices little falling. Cheese, best quality, lOd to Is, Bide Rolled Bacon, 9d. * "