COMMERCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2108, 6 February 1908, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

MATAWHERO STOCK SALES. A POOR MARKET. There was a large entry of stock at the Matawhero salcyarde yesterday, and there was also a fairly largo attendance. About 14,000 sheep were yarded, including a few in the fat pens. In the latter, fair prices were realised. The demand was very poor, and pen after pen were passed by auction, but sold afterwards at reduced prices, but taking into consideration the position of the wool . market, tho prices realised were fair. The scarcity of feed is, of course, the cause of the slumx), blit, in addition to that, owners’ reserves were much in advance of buyers’ ideas. Bidding lacked all pretence at spirit, and tlio auctioneers were loud in their complaints on this score. Farmers would not even start at their own prices. A lino of 192 sound-mouthed ewes, five years old, started at 3s, and sold at 4s. and a number of “snips” were picked up. The sale improved somewhat towards tho finish. A good number of rams were offered, but only a few were sold, tho reserves being too high. The principal sales were: —Fat: 15 fat ewes at 1 Q.s 6(1. Stores: 4-13 5-year-old ewes at 9s 6d, 416 6-tooth ewes at 11s 9d, 70 fair-mouthed (dipped) started at ss, and sold at 7s Id, 900 5-year-olds (good sorts) at 7s lOd, 630 2-tooth ewes at 13s, 793 2tooth ewes at 14s 3d. Rams: 2 Border Leicesters at 10s Gd, 2 English Leicesters at £l. 1 Shronshire at 10s Gd CATTLE. There was only a small yarding of store cattle, nearly all of which wore disposed of. Prices were: 45 bullocks at £5 16s. 7 young cattle at 17s, 4 heifers (IS months) at £2 2s, 2 cows at- £2 10s.