COMMERCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 852, 28 March 1903, Page 1

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs Williams and Kettle report holding their periodical stock sale at the Matawhcro yards on Thursday. There was a very large attendance, and the sale evoked a much brisker demand than has been experienced in tho yards for the past four or five months. The first few pons of sheep that were offered excited very little interest, buyers nob having made up their minds to establish a market. It soon became evident, however, that sheep were wanted, and although the yards were taxed to their limit the whole of the offerings were cleared, and competition ruled keenly throughout. Sellers had reduced their reserves in sympathy with current market values, and thereby established a record in effecting clearances. Our yarding consisted of 5666 sheep, all of which were cleared. Prices ruled as follows : Forward wethers, 4-tooth, 10s ; store wethers, 2 and 4-tooth, 8s 6d to 9s ; cull 2-tooths, 4s 6d to 6s 6d ; owes, 2-tootb, from 6s to Ss ; 4 to 8-tooth ewes, from 5s to 7s 8d ; fat ewes, from 7s to 9s ; all cull ewes, from Is 6d to 3s ; jlambs from 3s to 5s 6d. Cattle: We yarded 224 head, the bulk of which wc-ro cleared at prices rather lower than those ruling in previous month, excepting for wenDers and 18-uionth old stuff, which fetched full values. Some very good linc3 of station cows and calves were sold at L 4 to LI 10s. Beef was in strong demaud, and fat cows made from £5 to £7 10s. The offerings in ox beef were very limited, and made up to L 8 for good weights. Dairy cattle were in poor demand, and tho bulk of the offerings was withdrawn. Wc offered some good lines of llomuey and Lincoln rams, but only succeeded in disposing of a small proportions. Our next sale will be held on Thursday, oth April.