DUNEDIN LIVE STOCK! STATION, AND WOOL MARKET.

Southland Times, Issue 862, 9 December 1867, Page 2

DUNEDIN LIVE STOCK! STATION, AND WOOL MARKET.

I Deivee Maoleax and Co.'s report, 4th December, 1867 :— We have to report the market generally very quiet throughout the past month, which may be accounted for in a great measure by most of our flockowners being engaged with shearing, and until this is fairly over, we may reasonably expect a continuous inactivity, particularly in store sheep. Buyers of this description of Btock are disposed to act with great caution, anticipating a greater reduction from last year's rates, than we think will be the case when market prices are fully established. We have, however, succeeded in disposing of a very considerable number of all classes for delivery after shearing, at prices as quoted below. Fat stock, both sheep and cattle, continue scarce, without any change in prices. The former are likely to be in better supply, at reduced rates, after shearing is further advanced ; but we can see no reason for expecting a better supply of beef, except occasionaly by the arrival of imported lots, consequently the present demand for healthy stores must continue. Our sales have averaged prices as quoted below : — Fat Stock — As before stated, fully maintained last quotations : say, bee*", 50s per lOOlbs ; mutton, 5d per lb in town, or about 4£d per 1 b on station. We have also made sales of prime wethers, at 225, on station. Calves of good quality are very scarce, and saleable at £4 to £4 10s. Store Stock. — Transaction in wethers (in the wool) far paddocks may now be said to be over, as holders decline to treat until after shearing. We have made contracts for delivery after shearing, at following rates : — Wethers, 9s 6d to 10s. Ewes, 2, 4, and 6-tooth, at 13s to 14s. Lambs (equal sexes), at 18s per pair — mostly Otago bred sheep. We expect to see these prices maintained, and will not be surprised to see a slight advance in some descriptions during the season. Store Cattle. — Bullocks, 3 to 5 years old, at £9 f o £10 ; mixed herds, at £7 10s to £9. Dairy Cows — if well-bred, quiet, and near calving— are much inquired after, and saleable at £18 to £20. Horses. — The supply of draught stock during the month has been large — in excess of the requirements of the market — and prices for inferior descriptions have somewnat receded. First-class heavy draughts — mares especially — maintain former quotations, and are likely to do so till the close of the wool season. Hacks of all descriptions have' been more saleable lately than during many months past, really good stylish animals being in demand, at high rates, while ordinary stock finds buyers at very payable prices-: — Mr Clapp's lot, ex Omeo, was cleared off readily at from £20 te £35. Our present quotations are : — Superior draught mares, £55 to £75 ; superior draught geldings, £50 to £70 ; ordinary draught geldings, £35 to £45 ; first class hacks, £30 to £40 ; ordinary and inferior, £15 to £25. Stations. — Desirable properties are inquired after by buyers willin g to give good value, and any placed in the market would meet with ready sale. It is worthy of notice that so few stations in this Province have been offered for sale during thft lasr, 12 months ; which may be fairly attributed to the generally sound position of our runholders, and the well established confidence in suo'i investments. Wool. — The late unsettled weather has had the effect of retarding shearing operations, which are now general all over the Pro .ince. We are of opinion that, on account of the late heavy rains, the great bulk of the clip this year will be much lighter in the grease than last ; and in this we are confirmed by the appearance of the few samples at present to hand. For this reason, as well as on account of the better demand in London for well got- up fleece, washing will be much more general and hitherto. We would again impress upon growers the a ivisability of paying every attention to the proper getting-u;-> of their flocks ; and we ar.i pleased to notice that several of our leading squatters are already making arrangements for the erection on the stations of the improved spoutwashing apparatus, which has proved so successful in the hands of the chief Victorian flockowners, and of which complete drawings, specifications, and estimates, may be seen at our offices. Wo would call special attention to the following extr cts from our London agent's report, of date 27th September last. Good well-washed combing New Zealand flocks, suffered less in value than other descriptions from those Provinces ; while short stapled and badly washed wool was difficult of sale, even at very low prices. Good light combing greasy fleece and lamb, also realised much more satisfactorily than the short staple, wasty, clothing sorts, which now receive little or no attention. It should be remarked that the low rates ruling for all the inferior and faulty description of Colonial wool, is not alone owing to their great abundance, but is, to a great extent, due to the rapidly increasing import of River Plata wools, which are, relatively, still cheaper ; and this state of things must continue if the Colonial flockmasters affected, do not improve their flocks, and by increased fineness, as well as length and strength of staple, bring their wools out of the range of competition with theae South American and other low kinds of wool. Sheepskins — Although not in great demand at present, prices are maintained, as much as 5s 6d being given for this month's skins. Tallow, none offering, quotations same as previously reported. Hides, from 10s to 11s, for good sound hides, are freely given.