MARKET REPORT

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 313, 19 December 1936, Page 6

MARKET REPORT

VALUES FIRMED. LOCAL MARKETS. **. E-—■■ ■■■ !■ Newton King’s Final Report The sharp rise in wool values recorded at recent sales is the main topic of conversation in the stock world at present. Sheep-farmers have every reason to feel gratified, for realisations have greatly exceeded the expectations of even the most optimistic. Taranaki growers are now eagerly awaiting the results of the initial sale at Wanganui on January 21, and indications point to recent values being fully maintained.

Hardening Tendency. As a result of the improved wool j values, there is evidence of a hardening tendency in the demand for all classes of store sheep, breeding ewes i and wethers in particular being en- ' quired for, and difficulty in satisfying i the requirements of buyers is being i experienced. Recent quotations have i appeared high, but the optimism , shown by sellers in naming their 1 values now appears to be justified, I and it is apparent that the enquiry ; will tend to force buyers to pay highex- j figures than they anticipated. Reputable breeders of Romney and Southdown rams are experiencing stronger enquiry than usual and enhanced figures are being received for first selections. Trading at current values should result in a very satisfactory : season’s operations to those engaged ‘ in sheep-farming. Sales made by i private treaty during the week include j 120 f.b. ewes and lambs at £1 all J counted; 220 5-year Romney ewes at 28/-; 28/ two-tooth Romney wethers at 23/6; 100 two-tooth Romney wethers at 24/-; 21/ Romney ewe lambs at 24/-; 350 Romney wether lambs at 18/-.

Beef Prices Unchanged. The position of the beef section is unchanged, Ho further easing in values being noticeable for well-bred cattle, whilst the best Jersey and Jer-' sey cross cows and heifers are in good demand at late rates. Sales effected during the week include two trucks of P.A. cross bullocks at £ll 10/- and £l2; three trucks P.A. cows' and heifers £8 to £B/10/-. A slight easing is reported in the fat sheep section. Nevertheless local buyers operated freely during the week and sales effected included lots ; of fat wethers from 26/- to 27/3, fat I ewes 21/- to 22/-. Small offerings, ; comprising Jersey oddments, came i forward during the week at Douglas, j Stony River, and Waiwakaiho, and I realisations were on a par with late rates.

Hawera Stock Sale. Hawera sale on Thursday drew a good entry in the store and fat pens, and a particularly good clearance was effected. Best Jersey and Jerseycross fat cows made up to £6/5/-, average sorts from £5 to £5/7/6; paddock cows £3/5/- to £3/17/6; works bulls £5 to £6/15/-; fat two-tooth wethers 26/-, fat ewes 21/-, forwardconditioned b.f. two-tooth 23/8. A fair demand continues for pigs, good-conditioned and stores being keenly sought. At the New Plymouth Haymarket sale on Friday an average entry was penned and a total clearnce effected at late rates except for porkers, which eased somewhat. Light porkers made from 30/- to 34/-; good-conditioned stores 25/- to 28/6; slips 18/- to 23/6; weaners 15/- to 17/6; small weaners 9/- to 12/6.