BEEF MARKET EASIER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 332, 18 April 1928, Page 13

BEEF MARKET EASIER

WESTFIELD SALE MEDIOCRE CATTLE OFFERING Compared with late sales a heavy yarding of ox beef at Westfield to-day met with an erratic market that, generally. registered a decidedly weaker tone. A short yarding of cow and heifer beef sold at slightly under last week’s reduced rates. There was a noticeable absence of the extra prime choice beasts that have figured in the cattle offerings at recent sales, and which generally, have sold at a premium under keen competition. There was nothing forward to-day that could be termed extra prime' heavy ox. and, though values at times were up to those at late sales, generally, it would be safe to say that the market was easier by 7s 6d to 25s a head all round in the ox beef sections. The mediocre offering of cows and heifers also failed to find any life in the market. One of the best lines of the day came forward on account of W. Vosper, Cambridge. The line, though it comprised big-framed cattle, was not up to the best standard which can be expected from this grazier, and, to qualify for the term ’ extra choice prime,” needed more finish. Values for the line ranged from £l2 12s 6d to £l4. W. ToThoph topped the market \yith a full yard of four bigframed, long-backed, not exceptionally prime but solid steers, on account of this vendor made £l4 17s 6d. A line of well-finished medium framed oattle on account Dingle and Son, Waitira, made from £lO 17s 6d to £l2 17s 6d. Smaller cattle fairly well finished on account .Tas. Freegard, Wacrenga. made from £lO 7s 6d to £ll. 7s 6d. No beef in the yard to-day made much over £1 15s, and little made up to that figure. Actually there was not the quality there to sell as choice prime, the bulk of the yarding: being- made up of small to medium weight cattle offering no attraction for premium prices. As stated previously, there was nothing startling in the female section. Very few pens made over £'J. A line of well finished and big-framed cows on account of McCallum Bros., made to £0 ss. Well finished small to medium weight young cows and heifers on account F. W. Rutherford, Waimarama, made £5 15s to ~• ‘•s Gd. Good sorts of well-finished young cows on account of A. Robertson, Alahgere, made to £8 2s 6d. A rather short market of mostly unattractive calves met a dull market at prices, if anything, slightly easier than last week.