Commercial Intelligence.

Hawke's Bay Weekly Times, Volume 2, Issue 77, 22 June 1868, Page 151

Commercial Intelligence.

OTAGO LIVE STOCK MARKET. Driver, Maclean & Co.’s Monthly Live Stock, Stations, and Wool Circular:— Dunedin, sth June, 1868. The reduction in the value of wools in the Loudon market at the August and November sales, to an extent not anticipated, caused a check in the demand, for squatting properties, at the values current when the news of the reduction referred to reached this Province. To the same cause we principally attribute the inactivity.that has characterised the market for most descriptions of stock during the past few months—particularly store sheep, which can only he disposed of at prices considerably .below last year’s rates. In fact, the price of wool so materially affects every branch of pastoral pursuits, that the late depression in this staple caused for a time almost an entire- suspension of transactions in any description of stock. We are, however, pleased to be able to report a decided and healthy improvement in the values of wools, as shown by the result of the the London February Sales. This fact has greatly tended to restore confidence which is evinced by inquiries for both stock and station properties; and, although we cannot look for a return of former prices, we see no reason to doubt the establishment of sound and permanent valuations for this description of investment. Taking into consideration the unsettled state of the market, and the difficulties before referred to, a greater quantity of stock has changed hands than might have been anticipated; for, on reference, we find that, since shearing, we have succeeded in placing no inconsiderable quantity, at prices about equal to those below:— Fat Cattle.—lmportations from Australia having almost ceased, the market for the last few weeks has not been so fully supplied. During the early part of the year, prices scarcely averaged 35s per lOOlbs; but we are now able to quote 40s to 42s Gd, for fair quality beef, upon which we think there will be further improvement during the winter months.

Store'Cattle.—We have disposed of a large number of both imported and Provincial-bred. , The want of grass in paddocks at this season, has, however, materially checked the demand. We quote—Provincial-bred bullocks, at £9 to £10; imported do, £7 10s to £8; mixed herds, at £7 to £B. . i

. Fat Sheep.—The market has been well supplied with fair quality of mnttou, at 3£d to 3£d per lb. The market now shows indication ofimprovement, which may always be expected with severe winter weather.

Country Sales.—We continue to hold regular sales of stock of every description, at Oainarn, Clutha Ferry, Lovell’s Flat, &c, at prices satisfactory to vendors. The success of these sales warrants us in saying that the agricultural settlers, as a cliiss are iu a most prosperous condition, more so, we believe, than in any other part of New Zealand or the Australian. Colonies.

, Pure Merino Sheep.—We report the following, as the .result of the sale of Mr F. D. Rich’s stud flock of Merino sheep, which was held'at Bushy Park. It being undoubtedly the most important sale of sheep ever held in the Colony, the attendance of breeders and 11 ickowners was very l-«rge, and the bidding throughout was most spirited—every lot offered being sold —as follows, viz. Lot 1, Ram “ Perfection,” £230, F. Wentworth; 2,77 gs, F. D. Bell; 3, 76 gs, do; 4,62 gs, Stiulholm-Brothers; 5, 67 gs, F. D. Bell; 6,65 gs, Dr. Webster; 7,61 gs, Studholm Brothers; 8, 71 gs, F. D. Bell; 9, 60 gs, do; 10,62 gs, do.—Lot 11, Ram “Wellington,” 31 gs, John Jones; 12, 20 gs, do; 13,14 gs, Dr. Webster; 14,18 gs, John Jones; 16,16 gs, F. F. Nixon; 16,20 gs, F. D. Bell; 17,14 gs, John Jones; 18,11 gs, do; 19,10 gs, D. F. Main; 20,11 gs, John Jones; 21, 22 gs, F. F Nixon; 22,12 gs, Dr. Webster ; 23; 12 gs, F. D. Bell; 24, 36 gs, do; 25,31 gs, do; 26,25 gs, John Jones; 27,14 gs, Calcutt and;Menlove; 23; 15 gs, do; 29,13 gs, do; 30.11 gs, do; 31,10 gs, F. D. Bell; 3217 gs, Calcutt and Merilove; 33, 34 gs. F: D. Bell; 33a; £35, Calcutt and Menlove; 34, £7 10s, do; 35,27 gs, do; 36,17 gs, F, Wentworth; 37 26 gs, Studholm Brothers; 38,25 gs, F. D. Bell; 40, 32 gs, Calcutt and Menlove; 41,37 gs, F. D. Bell; 42; 21gs, Studholm Brothers; 44,19 gs, do; 45/46 gs, do; 45a, £7- 10s, Calcutt and Menlove. 200 rams, 2-tooth. £4lss, F. Wayne; 200 2-tooth. £5, F. D. Bell; 250 2-tooth, £5 ss, do; 650 ram lambs, £3 10s, F. Wayne; 650 ewe lambs, £2 12s 6d, do; 200 ewes 2-tdoth and upwards, £2los, John Jones; 58 rams, £4 IQs, Captain Baldwin; 200 ewes, 2-tooth and upwards, £2 7s 6d, Studholm Brothers; 600 do, do, £2 ss, do; 200, do, do, £2 ss, John Jones; 600 do do, £2 ss, Studholm Brothers. Hones.—The market has lately been supplied with stock of medium and inferior quality, all of which brought' Coir, and, we should imagine, remunerative prices to the vendon. The few really good draught mares and geldings, that have been offend, found ready purchasero, at prices as under, and we believe that really good sound draught stock are likely to maintain present rates for some time to come,: with a prospect of improvementWe quote first-class mares and geldings, from £65 to £75; medium do, do,' £35 to £SO; inferior do. do, £lB to £2B; first-class saddle and harness horses, from £35 to £4B; medium do, £2O to £3O; inferior do, £lO. to £ls. Really good unbroken draught colts and fillies, and well-bread usefitl cobs, are at present much inquired for, and, when offered, bring very satisfactory prices. 1 WooL—Consequent on the great decline in the Home market at the August and November sales, the wool season here opened rather gloomily. We held a few auction sales. but although the attendance of buyers, was good, there wa%a total want of speculative spirit, in fact a disinclination to operate at other than very low figures; .we therefore resolved to ship Home all wool&ntrusted to our care, confident that in so doing JVe acted for the best interests of onr constituents,. The result of . the February sales in measure confirms ohr expectations, , The average advance then quoted was from $d to Id per lb ou best descriptions, both combing and clothing. Low sorts sold readily at full rates; hut we would caution growers against taking this as any criterion of the market for these, 'the firmness being wholly attributable to the limited quantity of the better descriptions then, forward. ' The supply of these latter is relatively so small that they will invariably command high prices; and.we would again impress:upon growers ' the necessity that exists, now that runs are becoming ■ stocked up, for judiciously culling their flocks, and. by the'aid. of the most approved washing appliances, and experienced, wool classers, getting up the clips in; the best possible, style. The produce of the 'Province for: the ’ past year, (22,361 hales), shows an increase on the preceding year of about 2500 bales. • Owing, however, to the wreck of the Star of Tasmania and Water Nymph, the quantity which will reach the Hdme market does not exceed that of lust seasoul ' SUeepskius are not coming forwardin any quan.taty; present rates are, for May and June skins, is Ito Is 3d, dclivorod in- town.

Hides are scarce. Good.heavies find ready buy- , ers at frill rates but dried or-badly cured are almost .unsaleable. ' ’ ' - ' ■•- j , | is a great demand for- tallow, 'vrith but little offering. Good mixed is worth £2B t0,£30./ mutton; best, £3O to £32. - . - ’ ’ /' ;