Commercial Intelligence.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XII, Issue 537, 26 December 1867, Page 2

Commercial Intelligence.

Otago.—The following is Messrs. Driver, Maclean and Co.'s Monthly Report of Live Stock, Stations, Wool, &c.; — Dunedin, sth Dec., 1567. We have to report tho market generally very quiet throughout the past month, which may be accounted for in a great measure by most of our flockowners being engaged witn shearing, andun ttl this is fairly over, we may reasonably expect a continuous inactivity, particularly in store sheep. Buyers of this description of stock are disposed to act with great caution, anticipating a greater reduction from last year’s rates, than wo think will lie the case when market prices are fully established. VTe have, however, succeeded in disposing of a very considerable number of all classes for delivery after shearing, at prices as quoted below. Fat stock, both sheep and cattle, continue scarce, without any change in prices. The former are likely to be in better supply, at reduced rates, after shearing is further advanced; hut wo can see no reason for expecting a better supply of beef, except occasionally by the arrival of imported lots, consequently the present demand for healthy stores must continue.

Our sales have averaged prices as quoted below ; Fat Stock.—As before stated, fully maintained last quotations; say, beef. 50 per lOOlbs ; mutton, od per lb in town, or about 4-lu per lb on station. AYe have also made sales of prime weathers, at 225, on station. Calves of good quality are very scarce, and saleable at £4 to £4 10s.

Store Stock.—Transactions in wethers (in the ■wool) for paddocks may now be said to be over, as holders decline to treat until after shearing. IVe hare made contracts for delivery after shearing, at following rates: —Wethers, 9s 6d to 10s; ewes, 2, 4, and 6-tooth, at 13s to 14s. Lambs (equal sexes) at ISs per pair—mostly Otago bred sheep. We expect to see these prices maintained, and will not bo surprised to see a slight advance in some descriptions during the season. Lairy cows—if well-bred, quiet, and near calving •—are much inquired after, and saleable at £lB. Horse-.—The supply of draught stock during the mouth has been largo—in excess of the requirements of the market—and prices for inferior descriptions have somewhat receded. First-class heavy draughts—mares especially—maintain former quotations, and are likely to do so till the close of the wool season. Hacks of all descriptions have been more saleable lately than during many months past, really good stylish animals being in demand at high rates, while ordinary stock finds buyers at very payable prices. Stations.—Desirable properties are inquired after by buyers willing to give good value, and any placed in the market would meet with ready sale. It is worthy of notice that so few stations in this Province have been offered for sale during the last 12 months, which may be fairly attributed to the generally sound position of our ruubolders. and the weii-cstahlished confidence in such investmerits.

Wool.—The late unsettled weather has had the affect of retarding shearing operations, which are now general all over the Province. We are of opinion that, on account of the late heavy rains, the great bulk of the clip this year will be much lirliter in the grease than last; and in this we are confirmed t lie appearance of the few samples

at present to baud. For this reason, as well as on account of the heller demand in London for well

got-up fleeces, washing will bo muen more general than hitherto. We would again impress upon growers the advisability of paying every attention to the proper getting-up of their flocks ; and wo are pleased to notice that several of our leading squatters are already making arrangements for the erection of tho improved spout-washing ap-

paratus, which has proved so successful in the hands of the chief Victorian flockowners, and of which complete drawings, specifications, and estimates may be seen at our offices. The state of political affairs on the Continent of Europe, the great depression of tho Homo wonltan trade, and the immense increase in the production of wool, combined, do not warrant any expectation of improvement in the London market.