THE DERRIMUT SHORTHORNS.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 242, 19 March 1875, Page 3

THE DERRIMUT SHORTHORNS.

The following interesting account of the sale of Mr Morton’s shorthorn cattle is taken from the Melbourne Daily Telegraph of Februry 25th: — Regarding the annual sale of stock from Mr Richard Morton’s celebrated herd which took place on Tuesday, at Skelsmergh Hall, near Kneyton, the Kneyton Guardian says that it attracted a large number of stockowners from all parts of this and the adjoining colonies. At least 500 visitors were present, and amongst them were noticed the most celebrated breeders of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania. The number catalogued was thirty-eight, viz., sixteen bulls and twentytwo cows and heifers, the whole of which found purchasers, with the exception of two, which were withdrawn. Operations commenced with the 6th Duke of Butterflies, and the bidding was rather slack, he being knocked down for 200 guineas. The bidding afterwards became more brisk, and the next lot, 12th Duke of Derrimut, fetched 350 guineas, and the 6th Duke of Brunswick was sold to the same buyers, the Messrs Chirnside, for 660 guineas. For the next few lots the bidding was 'not very spirited, but fair prices were realised ; but upon a seven months’ old calf, Cherry Oxford the 2nd, being put up, the bidding became very animated, and ran up briskly from 100 guineas to 435 guineas, when she was sold to Mr Joel Horwood. _ The next one which excited any competition was the 18th Duke of Derrimut, which realised 650 guineas. None of the other lots called for special mention till we come to the Earl of Geneva, a bull imported by Mr Morton two or three years ago, and used extensively by him in the formation of his present herd. His sire was purchased in America when a calf for 950 guineas, and a full sister of the Earl realised 1785 guineas. This was the only animal upon which there was any reserve, and for this Mr Morton claimed the right to make one bid. The biddings commenced with 700 guineas, and crept slowly up to 900, and then to 1100 guineas, at which there appeared a disinclination to proceed. The auctioneer stated that Mr Morton would take the service of three cows from the purchaser at fifty guineas each, but there still appeared no prospect of improving upon the 1100 guinea bid. Mr Morton was appealed to for his bid, but only shook his head. Mr M‘Culloch suggested that the reserve upon the bull should be stated, so that if there was any one desirous of going beyond it, they might say so at once. The auctioneer stated that Mr Morton had originally fixed the reserve at 2000 guineas, but he was willing to take 1500 guineas for the animal, subject to the condition already mentioned. The announcement was received with cheers, and Mr M‘Culloch at once bid the amount of the reserve. He and Messrs Robertson, of Colac, kept up the bidding between them till 1650 guineas was reached, when he was knocked down to Messrs Robertson Brothers, amidst great cheering. The total amount realised was £14,605 10s, or an average of £405 4s each ; the bulls averaging £361 10s each, excluding the Earl of Geneva, and the cows and heifers £372 each. Altogether the prices must have been very satisfactory to Mr Morton, and show that stockbreeders are fully alive to the advantage of having good blood.