Caret and Gillies Report.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 82, 18 August 1863, Page 2

Caret and Gillies Report.

(For the Month ending loth August.)

The activity that prevailed last month for store stock continues with increased demand, and no importations worthy of note. Station holders are quite unnble to supply themselves and complain of largo tracts of suitable country remaining unoccupied from the scarcity of cattle, notwithstanding their willingness to pay high rates as evidenced by by the prices paid at recent sales. Tasmania has sent u<s a small supply, bnt quite inadequate t" the requirements of the Provim-e, and great hope is expressed in the prospect of Gipps Land, Two fold J3ay, and other ports being thrown open so supply the want that can only be remedied by such a step. In the Horse market greater firmness was apparent during tne past fortnight, and had tho weather continued fine, as there was reason to expect after such a severe winter, the improvement noted in our 1 ist reports would have been borne out, as the late heavy importations were cleared off. The inquiry for good hackneys is frequent, and purchasers are offering from L 35 to LSO for good weight carriers. Our sales during the month have been, for superior draught horses, from LGS to LBO ; second class, L 45 to L 55; third class, L3O to LJO; dependent in all cases upon ago and condition. Hacks, from L2O to Lso— average of fully L4O for anything really suitable. WonKi.vo Bullocks. — Are not so much inquired for ; the severe weafchtr'we are experiencing has contributed to the clulncss. Our sales have been from L4l to L 65 per pair — good cattle being preferred at the latter rate to mixed and unconditioned teams.

Fat Cattle. — We have had heavy transactions in this description of stock, and found eager purchnsers ot Provincial mixed herds at Lit los up to Lls 10s. Any cattle of good frame and fair condition, from one up to three years, would command ready sale at these rates. Milch Cows. — We have sold at an average of Ll6, but are asked for superior animals to those offered, and could obtain higher rates for such as are wanted.

Fat Cattle — Our sales have been considerable during the month, but the scarcity of first-class beef is great, and the supply falling off notwithstanding the high prices realised, which have been from 70s to 75s per 100 lbs. Fat Sheep — We have sold at an average of 40s 6d, and report tho value of prime mutton at 8d to 9d per lb. Store Sheep — Cannot be had at present., aud intending are anxiously awaiting the opening of the trade, to enable tiiein to supply their requirements. Milch Goats — Are worth from L 2 to L 3.