The Motoa Clearing Sale.

Manawatu Herald, 26 March 1903, Page 2

The Motoa Clearing Sale.

Yesterday the long announced clearing sale of stock at Motoa was held under the management of the New Zealand Loan and* Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd. in-conjunction with Messrs Abraham and Williams, Ltd. Mr Porritt of the latter firm was the auctioneer, and Mr Ward of the Loan Co. acted as clerk. The morning broke very inauspiciously, and the rain appeared to get harder as each hour succeeded, and the hopes of a good sale seemed very bad, but at a quarter to twelve the clouds broke and no rain fell after that hour. There was a large crowd present, representatives from all parts appearing by , special train, the ordinary train, by horseback, and by trap, and amongst their number were those who were large stock buyers. The arrangements were very good and a start at selling was made a little before one o’clock with the sheep. The first pen of sheep contained 800 2-th fat and forward wethers, and were knocked down at 11/6. This was looked upon as a decided bargain to the purchaser. Most of the yards were quitted in a whole line, though the auctioneer was willing to sell a run of any number. It was in few cases that his offer was accepted. The 2-tooth ewes realised from 7/- to 8/11, and 740 2-tooth wethers 8/11 to 9/4. A line of Magnatara ewes ranged from 7/2 to 8/11. Aged ewes went at 7/8, and a line of 370 mixed lambs went cheap at 4/11 On the whole the purchasers had the best of the deal. Cattle appeared to be more eagerly sought for, and a splendid line of 280 B£-yr old bullocks were knocked down to Mr J. E. Macdonald, of Heatherlea, at £7 12s per head. A pen of 262 bullocks realised £6 10s, and the 100 4 to 4|-yr bullocks were purchased at £7 16s. The fat cowa went cheap at £4 15s. Yearlings sold at £3 4s 6d ; 2-yrs, £4 Is; and a moe lot of weaners at 86/-. Every hoof was quitted. The dairy cows were sold but were uncommonly cheap. Horses sold well, and their harness was obtained at most reasonable rates. The machinery did hot demand

much attention, there being no bid for a lot of it, but the horse hayrakes, scarifier, &c., were sold at the bidders own prices. The public were hospitably treated, and Mr Caverhill had a heavy day’s work. . Mr Foster, manager of the Assets Board, was present all day.