COMMERCIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1931, Page 8

COMMERCIAL

WOOL SALES AT TIM.AItU. fßy Telegraph—l e < Brest Association) TIMARU, December 14. The first wool sale of the season took place this morning, when 7,762 bales were offered, compared with 0,888 last year. Prices were on a par with rates at Christchurch last week. Compared with the opening of the sale last season, however, half breds showed an advance' of from Id to l-)d but crossbreds were cheaper. The bench of buyers was fully representative of, the wool consuming countries hut competition came chiefly from United Kingdom and Continental buyers, with representatives from New Zealand mills picking up odd lots suitable for thefr requirements. On account of adverse conditions the wool is not as satisfactory as last year, and included few, if any really 'super lots. Half-breds were keenly competed for and sold at prices much on a par with prices ruling in Christchurch. On the other hand cross-breds were more or less neglected and to effect sales in this class very low prices'had to be accepted. Prices and bellies commanded relatively higher prices than fleece wool, due to keen competition. The low prices ruling for crossbred is a reflection of prices realised in the North Island, demand at present being for fine wools. Passings were fairly heavy. Only one catalogue, that of Loan and Mercantile was completely sold. The top price was 10£d for half-bred from Albury. Three-quarter bred made up to 9sd; cori'iedales 9d and top for merino was Bd. The highest cross-bred was 7id.

LONDON, Dec. 11. At the wool sales 10,400 bales were offered including 6246 bales of New Zealand wool, of which approximately 7560 bales were sold. There was good Home and Continental competition at firm rates, especially for best •Merinos. New Zealand lots sold as follows: Half-breds, Glenfield (top price Is), average 10-fd ; cross-breds, More (10£), 8-kl; lambs, slipe, Eclipse (Is), 19$d