STOCK AND STATION REPORT.

Southland Times, Issue 1537, 13 February 1872, Page 2

STOCK AND STATION REPORT.

In consequence of the late rise in the price of wool and preserved meats, the market has attained to something like its former footing. It is gratifying for southern settlers to learn that wools from districts south of the Molyneux have been pronounced the most suitable article for the American market, and are likely in future to command extreme rates. American buyers have taken over 4000 bales from Otago, including Southland, and to some extent the3e transactions have interfered with our shipping arrangements. Station property does not, however, participate in the general improvement to the extent that might have been expected. When it is seen that this improvement is not of a mere temporary character, capital will be invested more freely in rune. Within the last fortnight one station has changed hands, the sellers being Messrs Reinecker and Hunter, old Southland settlers. The purchaser was the Hon. Robert Campbell, who is already largely interested in district investments. The price is understood to have been £9,500, cash. It is matter for congratulation that the pastoral interest of the southern districts has not during the late droughts suffered to the same extent as the northern pastures. Upon the whole our flock-masters have had a run of good fortune, which has not been participated in to the same extent by their northern neighbors. The barque Union, the first wool ship of the season, cleared out on the 27th ult , with a full cargo for the London market. Detailed particulars of her manifest are published elsewhere. She has been succeeded by the Christian M'Ausland, now on the berth. Over 1000 bales are ready for shipment. Although the Beason is well advanced, the clip from the stations continues to come in freely. The stock market since the beginning of the year has been brisk. Sheep are in good demand, especially cross-breds. Of both Lincoln and Leicester the supply is considerably short of the demand. In anticipation of higher rates, flockowners are not at present inclined to sell. One offer lor 5,000, mixed sexes, at 6a 3d, is reported as having been refused. Merinoa, though not in quite so good demand, are nevertheless enquired for. Wethers, 2, 4, and 6 tooth, are quoted at from 4s 6d to ss, and full-mouthed at 4s. For mixed cattle there is no demand. They cannot be quoted at more than 35s to 455. Store steers are saleable at from £3 17s 6d to £4 4s, according to quality. Horses of all classes are for the most j-.art unsaleable. Good draughts are not worth more than from £18 to £25 ; light hacks, from £6 to £12.