COMMERCIAL.

Southland Times, Issue 1224, 18 March 1870, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

D. Macbobir, Auctioneer, reports : — Business generally has during the last few weeks shown an absence of any activity. This may be partially accounted for by country residents being engaged in harvest operations, and as these are sot attended with so good a result as was anticipated at the close of the year, the winter months nay be expected to show but a limited business. Horses. — The market is well supplied with stock of a light description, and it is almost impossible to cell hacks at the hammer. I sold during the fortnight only two, at an average of about £8. Draught horses are in demand in Dunedin, which will have a corresponding effect on the enquiry here. Cattle. — I have sold in the yards cows in calf J (includirg one with calf at foot) at an average of about £7 12s per head, but the bidding was anything but brisk. Working bullocks have been a little enquired for, but the wool season being nearly at an end, the market will shortly be over supplied, but unreserved sales of cattle always command an attendance, and fairly test the market. Bheep. — Little enquiry exists, and except a •ale of full-mouthed ewes at a very low figure, I am not aware of any transactions. Properties. — The sellers are numerous, but few descriptions are changing hands ; a suitable small farm could however be sold at present. Merchandise. — Auction-room sales being very much dependent on country buyers, have of late been poorly attended, and, consequently, low rates, as compared with market quotations, have prevailed, more especially where transactions are from circumstances forced ; but where the public confidence exists as to the freedom from reserve, a spirited competition sets in, which is significant •oi commercial soundness. Princess Yards and Commercial Sale Rooms, 17th March, 1870.