RETAIL PRICES TO BE REDUCED

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 146, 16 March 1939, Page 11

RETAIL PRICES TO BE REDUCED

Low Cattle Values In Auckland District effect of long dry SPELL Dominion Special Service. AUCKLAND, March 13. Reflecting the effect of several factors, cattle values at the Westfield mt stock sales today maintained the downward trend of recent weeks, and beet was quoted cheaper than at any other time since July, 1937. Values ranged from 18/- to 33/- a 1001 b., representing a substantial decline on quotations to 3S/- a month ago. 1 Probably -the factor having the greatest liearing on the decrease is the long spell of dry weather which has been experienced in the Auckland district in the past two months. Feed is at a premium all over the province and farmers and graziers are being compelled to conserve what pastures they have by selling larger numbers of cattle than might have been the case in normal circumstances.

Large consignments of cattle from near and far have been delivered to Westfield in recent weeks. This has had the effect: of forcing prices down. However, today there was a comparatively short supply of cattle, and the quality of stock on offer was generally excellent. In spite of this, there was no demand, and stock agents were thankful that a heavy yarding did not face the auction. They freely admitted that the position would have been more acute if this had been the case. Retail values will be affected by the decreases in the wholesale market. Under prices which will take effect from tomorrow, beef will be sold Id. a lb. cheaper and mutton -Id. cheaper.