COMMERCIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 January 1922, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

HAWKE’S BAY RAM FAIR. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hastings, Last Night. The Hawke’s Bay ram fair opened to-day in very wet weather. Romneys were submnted, and the prices ranged from one guinea •to 9 guineas, the top price. Good lines averaged 4 to 7 guineas. Bidding was good for better sorts. CEYLON TEA SALES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Colombo, Jan. 25. At the tea sale this week the selection and quality showed a general decline compared witbi the previous sale. Bidding was slow and prices in buyers' favour. WAIKATO MARKET REPORT. The Farmers’ Co-op. Auctioneering Company, Ltd., report as follows: Beef.—Although It cannot be said that the value of beef has greatly advanced, it is certain the tone of the market has distinctly improved. Supplies have been somewhat slack since the holidays, but are again coming forward more plentifully. Mutton.—The iimpro-vement in mutton has beer, more marked, and supplies locally do not appear to be abundant. In all yards strong competition l as prevailed and satisfactory clearances effected. Values In the

yards are much ahead of Ijook **-.:otations. Lambs.—Export values are rapidly advancing, and Home cables indicate the probability of further improvement. Speaking generally, lambs have not been killing out too well this .season, and in many cases killing sheets have been the cause of considerable disappointment.

Store Cattle.—A general Improvement Is noticeable in the store cattle market, and all clashes meet with competition, although up to the present the yardings have been small. Grown steers in particular are In eager demand. Ye'rllngs also are being sought after. This season’s calves are coming forward In sunall numbers, and meet with a. better reception than was anticipated, es.pecjaliy in the case of heifers. It will no doubt be sooner or later realised what an Immense shortage of male cattle we are ..iced with, and it Is quite possible that before long dairymen may find them more profitable rearing than females.

Store Sheep.—'Have participated in the general improvement, buyers absorbing all lines offering. Practically no business has yet been done In breeding ewes, prospective buyers apparently awaiting the standards of > ue that the approaching fairs will fix. Both rape and store lambs have advanced beyond all expectation. Supplies of the former are totally insufficient to satisfy requirements.

Pigs.—After a period of considerable dullness, have commenced to advance, and there are indications that further Improvement may be looked for. Supplies up to the present have been plentiful. Horses.—There is very little inquiry for horses of any class.

We quote as follows: Heavy prime bullocks, £6 10s to £7 10s; medium, £5 10s to £6 5s Heavy cows, £4 to £5; medium, £3 to £3 10s; forward, £1 15s to £2 10s. Best 3%-year steers, £4 10s to £4; best 2%-year, £2 15s to £3 10s. Heifers, 2%years 1LW.8., £3 10s to £5 10s. ! Cows, stoies, 15s to £1 10s. Steers, 18-months, best, £1 5s to £1 15s; 18-months, medium, £1 to £1 2s 6d. Heifers, 18-months, best, £2 10s to £3 ss; 18-months medium, £1 10s to £2 ss. Calves—Heifers, £1 to £1 <s 6d; steers, 5s to 10s. Wethers, prime, 15s to 17s; medium, 12s to 14s. Ewes, prime, 10s to 12s. Wethers, store, 4-tooth, 9s to Ils 6d: 2-tooths, 8s Gd to 9s. Rape iambs, woolly and shorn, 7s to 9s. Store lambs, Gs to 7s 6d; small, 3s Gd to ss. Pigs, baconers, £2 to £2 15s; porkers, 30s to £2; good slips, £1 to £4 10s: weaners. Gs to 12s 6d. Horses, heavy draughts, £3O to £4O; medium draughts, £25 to £3O; light draughts, £l7 -to £2O; harness horses, £8 to £l5; hacks, £6 to £lO.