COMMERCIAL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 739, 23 January 1915, Page 5

COMMERCIAL.

IMPROVED TONE OF MARKET.

For the wool sals 3 thei'd was catalogued an excellent selection of merinos. There was a splendid attendance, but only a -few Continental buyers. The tone of the market was more cheerful than in December. In merinos, most of -the combing sorts were generally 5 per cent, dearer, whilß all scoureds sold at about the same prices. -

The improved demand was due to United States and Continental support. following upon the Board qf Trade's announcement that licenses would be given , for export to the United States and Allies upon sworn declarations that the wool would not be reshipped to any enemy country. All cro3sbred3 were fully 5 par cent dearer.

DUNEDIN SALES,

BIG PRICES FOR CROSSBREDS

At the sale on Wednesday, the offerings were 23,533 bales, and it was altogether one of the most satisfactory ever held. This wa3 largely due to the fact that the bulk of the offerings consisted of crossbreds, a class wanted for khaki at Home, and that halfbreds forwarded from Central Otago met good competition from local mills. Cropsbreds. wtre simply '"bumping," and showed an advance on last sal 9 of at least |d to lid. After the last three northern sales halfbreds were expected to be a little easier, and wera so except in cases of best supers, which were well competed for by local mills, and value 3 were fully maintained. Merinos were about the same, the best prices showing a slight advance and second pieces and heavier sorts easier. FAT STOCK SALES. The New Zealand Loan and Mercan tile Agency report:— ; At Westfield yards on Wednesday fat cattle came forward in full numbers, of excellent quality, and prices were fully up to laßt week's quotations, prime oxen selling to £2 per 1001b; others, 36s to 393; cows and heifers, 33s to 37s steers sold at from £6 12s 6d to £l7 17s 6d; cows and heifers, £5 15a,t0 £lO 2s 6d. A draft of 40 steers from Okahukura Estate averaged £l4 lis 9d; and also 32 steers from Messrs'Friedlander Bros., Surry Farm, Pokeno, small but well fatted, averaged £l4 12s 3d; another draft of 32 steers realised £l6 2s each and many other consignments averaged over £l3. Veal calves came forward in smaller numbers than last week, and improved-in price. Runners, g£4 to £4 10s; heavy suckers, £3 to £3 12s 6d; lighter £2 to £2 15s; smaller, 15s to 355; fresh -dropped and small calves, 3s to 13s. Sheep were penned in more than average numbers, and showed no improvement in price. Best wethers 21s to 23s 6d; others, 14s 3d to 21g; heavy ewes ]9a to 20s; others, 13s 3d to 18s 9d; hoggets, 15s 6d to 18s 9d. Lambs in short requirements sold at advanced rates. Best quality sold at from 16s 6d to 18s 6d; others, 12s 6d to 15s 9d. . Pigs were yarded- in ■ smaller number!?, and showed no improvement in' price. Large baconers, £3 to £4 10s; buconers, £2 10s to £3; large porkers, 38s to 455; porkers, 2§s to 355; slips, 15sto 22s 6d; Weaners hwere lower, 5s to 12g 6d.