COMMERCIAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2321, 20 February 1892, Page 4

COMMERCIAL.

CHRISTCHURCH STOCK MARKETS.

At the Addington yards on Wednesday there was a fair entry of stock. Store Sheep—There was an active demand for all sorts of fairly good stores. Of the 3UOO yarded not a single line was passed, and the demand remained firm to the end of the sale. Crossbred lambs ,ukl freely from 9s to 10s Id, and some smaller sorts brought 6s 7d. Two-tooths, mixed sexes, brought 11s 6d to 12s 3d. Four-tooth ewes were snapped up at 13s, four and six-tooths at 12s 9d; and older ewes, sound-mouth and failing, sold readily at 10s to lls 6d. Fat Lambs—A full entry, for the most part of very prime quality, sold in lines for export at from lls to 13s 3d, and lighter sorts brought from 9s upwards, according to size and quality. Fat Sheep—The entry was not a largo one, and there was little or no trouble in disposing of it at satisfactory prices. Best quality cross and half bred wethers and maiden ewes were much sought after, and sold freely from 14s 9d to 17s, the latter price being paid for some prime sorts estimated to freeze at 731 b, which would give the vendors a return of 2|d per lb. At this figure an unusually large number of nicely bred two-tooth sheep became the property of exporters. Second-rate sheep of this class brought nothing leas than 2d to 2jd per lb net freezing weight, and the trade were compelled to give this price for their requirements. Sheep which needed a few weeks finishing off sold readily at IJd to 2d per lb, and the few second rate merinos which were offered brought a similar price. Fat Cattle—The entry of beef was very small, but particularly even, most of the heifers and steers being on the small side, and suitable to the trade at this season of the year. The results were highly satisfactory to vendors, who received 19s to 20s per 1001 b, and in the case of one or two choice steers, which were a trifle heavier, the same value was obtained. A few cows brought on an average 18s per 1001 b. Store Cattle—The harvesting operations now in full swing militated against the success of the store cattle market, which was almost reduced to nothing. Only thirty-two head of old cows and bulls were offered, and sold at low rates. Dairy cows of good quality were in extra demand, one buyer securing every animal of character, for which values ranged from £6 5s to £B. Pigs Fifty animals made up the entry, of which the bulk were weaners and stores, baconers and porkers being in a minority. Buyers of good sorts of porkers had to pay nearly 4d a lb for what was offered, and the few baconers sold at from 3d to 3£d per lb.