GENERAL STOCK REPORT.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 6, 6 May 1893, Page 8

GENERAL STOCK REPORT.

Sheep. —Since our last report many sales have been held throughout the district, and, although the sheep market has not quite recovered the recent drop in prices, still there is more certainty about making sales at what buyers now consider hair value. This more especially refers to lambs. Large entries of these during the last two months came pouring in to all markets and caused quite a stagnation. Buyers for the time being were frightened to offer a price, fearing they would still come lower. They are now being freely disposed of at from 10s for best sorts, to 7s 6d for medium. We may here remark, however, that nearly all the very best lambs grown in Southland are already through the various freezing works at prices ranging from 9s to 13s 6d each, and in some very exceptional cases even higher figures have been reached. Young sheep, two and four-tooth, suitable for eating off turnips, are now in good demand and sell freely at 11s to 13s each. Old sheep are without much change in value, and only the growth of wool and the near approach of lambing can materially alter their ruling price. Cattle, —As large numbers of our stock have been removed to Canterbury and Otago, it was expected that cattle would rise in value by this time. This, however, is not the case, for as the winter approaches and feed gets scarce buyers do not care to run the risk of wintering them. Fat cattle of best quality are in fair demand, but inferior beef is hard to sell. Houses. —These are in good demand, and although the supply is being fairly kept up from Dunedin, Christchurch. Yictoria and other markets, all good young draughts are eagerly picked up.