DUNEDIN LIVE STOCK, STATIONS, WOOL, &c.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 198, 5 January 1866, Page 2

DUNEDIN LIVE STOCK, STATIONS, WOOL, &c.

Driver, Maclean, and Co. reports :— During the early part of the present month, our market, for all descriptions of Stock, was characterised by great inactivity, owing, in some measure, to the fact that the Runholders were busy with shearing, which, on account of the extraordinary lateness of the season, is now only being proceeded with on many stations, where, in former years, it was completed before this time. Now, however, the fine weather prevailing will admit of it being concluded without delay. During the past few days we have had numerous inquiries for Store Stock and Station Properties, evincing the returning confidence of capitalists, and we anticipate a healthy demand with the new year. We have little doubt that our anticipations as to the effect of the present great drought _in Australia wih prove correct, and that capitalists of the neighboring Colonies will be forced to turn theh- attention, more than they have hitherto done, to the more safe investments which New Zealand offers. Fat Stock. — Our market has been well supplied with Fat Cattle, of fair quality, and prices have slightly given way. We are of opinion, however, that the decline is but temporary, and feel certain, that, in the conrse of a week or two, the market will- regain its former buoyancy. The supply of Fat Weathers has not exceeded the demand, although in anticipation of a full market, and consequent decline in prices, after shearing, our butchers have only been purchasing for immediate use. Fat Lambs can only be disposed of in hmited numbers. Calves and Pigs, good quality, are very saleable. Stobe Stock. — Mixed mobs of cattle are saleable at fair rates, but the long prices asked by holders prevent transactions of any magnitude. There is a demand for good young Ewes and mixed Lambs, which we have every reason to believe will continue throughout the season. Few Store Wethers are at present being sold. Buyers prefer waiting till later in the season, in anticipation of a reduction on prices now asked, in which, however, we think they wih be disappointed. We have sold during the month, at following nrices, viz : — Fat Cattle, at £12 to £19 10s per head. We quote present rates at 455. to 47s 6d. per lOOIbs., for prime quality, and 425. 6d., for medium. Fat Sheep, in Wool, at 225. 6d. to 245. each, equal to sd. per lb. ; do., shorn, at 15s. to 17s. 6d. each, equal to 4d. to 4jd. per lb. Fat Lambs, at 12s. 6d. to 15s. each, according to age and quality. Stoke Wethebs, shorn, at 12s. to 13s. each. Ewes.— 2-tooth, at 19s. to 20s. each ; Ewes, 4, 6, and 8-tooth, shorn, at 16s. each ; Ewes, 2, 4, and 6-tooth, shorn, at 19s. to 21s. each. Lambs, mixed sexes, deliverable in March, 21s. to 225. per pair. Stobe Cattle. — Bullocks over two years old, at £9 to £10 10s. j mixed ages and sexes, at £6 10s. to £8. Station Peopeeties — We have inquiries for good properties, and have placed several unde offer, but cannot report any sales. We are not aware of any such having been completed during the month. ~Wqoi,, — Only a few parcels of the season's clip have come to hand, and no pubhc sales have yet been held. Our first sale of the sea Eon we purpose to hold on the 19th. Judging from the parcels that have come under our notice., we are of opinion that the ensuing clip will compare favorably with those of iormer years, being generally light in the grease, and more attention having been paid to classification. We quote from a report issued by us immediately after the arrival of 1 last English Mail, and would request the particular attention of Wool Growers to the extract from our London Broker's circular.-— Agents Repobt.— London, 26th September-, Ou? manufacturers are well employed, and the wool trade generally in sound and healthy Btate, How price? will role at the opening of next yew it is pf mm fcopoMUto te fwrcaeQ.

Hie quantity of really good -wools brought forward it the sales just terminated was small, and prices ivere proportionately high, but they afford no ;uide to the next season's operations. "With our yearly increasing production it can scarcely bo expected that the average of the current years' rates can be maintained for any length of time, ] and it would be unwise to reckon upon them too confidently for March and May next. — Broker's Report. New Zealand Wool was in large quantity. With some exceptions, it is not considered so long in staple as the former clip ; ! neither is it in such light condition. We regret to notice co much uneven packing, long and short staples being often mixed together, and many bales part greasy. To ensure a good market price these great drawbacks should have grower's attention. Sheep Skins are not in such good demand, but we cannot report any alteration from former quotations. Hides.— Shipping Parcels — Heavies in good condition command attention at former quotations ; light and inferior aie rather unsaleable. Taxxow is still very scarce. Fair samples are saleable at £35 per ton.