AUSTRALIAN HORSE MARKET.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1830, 16 August 1913, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN HORSE MARKET.

WHY PRICES ARE LOW.

'As mentioned recently, the Australian .'draught horse sales have been very disappointing to New Zealand breeders this year. In a report published a few days ago, .covering comment made by several ■returned vendors, it was mentioned that the stringency of the money market was the responsible factor. Since then other reasons have been advanced for the decline in prices which breeders cannot afford to ignore. Summed up by "TarTan," in an Australian paper, it appears ..that'too many inferior oolts are being placed oh the Victorian market, and that New" Zealand dealers or breeders- are ewampiiig the country with horses of both good and bad quality. It is complained that Australia is being made tlie aumping-grcund for animals that would not find a local market. At one time, 6ays "Yarran," the mere mention of the horse being a New Zealander had a magic, influence on the prices. Importers have only themselves to blame, he continued, for the low rates. They ; have not taken the precaution to keep the,.quality up to .requirements. It is contended; that this yi'ar's reverses are fortunate, and will prove beneficial in future operations. High-quality horses still find a ready demand, and active geldings for farm work remain at prohibitive prices. Tho main objection is 'made to the greats number - of. inferior, colts that are. sent over, many of which, according to a New Zealand critic. Would, l>o dear at .£lO apiece. Horses of that description would:bring larger money as geldings.- ■ Australian' local supplies are reported to bo catchiug up with tho dc- . xnand, but then, again, complaints are made about poor quality mainly because the .'majority of . farmers over there keep a a kind. The practice of Hooding the market with large shipments' of horses at one time is not con-; sideml wise, as it enables buyers to dictate almost any terms, and frequently real good stuff has to be sacrificed. For mares there is a better demand, but there are ■ only .buyers with limited •means. . The mares' realising 100 gui-' neas were verv few. The bulk of them made from fifty . guineas downwards. 'J'lio quality of the females was only average, Mid much below 'the lost two years' standard. Working mores were most keenly sought after. Taking tho values right through, the Australian ' figures showed little or no margin,on Now Zealand values. It is only weighty, big. and yo.nng geldings that are' needed, and for good sorts of these as "high as «£7O cu,uld be obtained. .