COMMERCIAL.

West Coast Times, Issue 65, 2 November 1865, Page 2

COMMERCIAL.

HOKITIKA LIVE STOCK MARKET REPORT

Fon tub Month ov October, 1805.

Mr. Edward M'Glashan, of Otago, having joined the house of J. Jones and Co., tho style or title of the firm for tho future will be known and conducted as Jones, M'Glashan and Co., who report the Hokitika market as furnished with the following supply during tho past month of October, viz., of fat cattle, 380 head ; sheep, 600 J and pigs, 55 ; calves, none introduced.

Fat Gatvix. — Referring to our September report we find our predictions as to prices fully verified ; and we are pleased that tlie difference of opinion (in connection with such quotations) that arose betsveen ourselves and the slaughtermen, (who have hitherto been the principal buyers outride, and importers of cattlo to this market) is long sinco happily at an end. These gentlemen have themselves latterly adopted tho system of disposing of their importations by auction and in lots (alive), and have, no doubt, found their advantage in so doing. In simplo fact, tho unprecedented nnd enormous value of cattle on tho West Coast gold fields (by reason of tho demand being so considerable nnd 'the supply so insufficient) renders the business of slaughtermen of secondary importance, particularly as they can effect immediate sales for cash, and thus secure a splendid return on an outlay mostly made under tho most favorable auspices. Wo have many n time before raised our voice against Iho impolicy (not to uso a harsher phrase) of importers disposing of their stock on tho road when (apparently) tempting prices havo been offored. Now perhaps tho most emphatic argument wo can adduce will be a simplo quotation of price? realised by us in our yards for good — not prime — cattle; Altogether we havo disposed of by auction to tho trade 136 head Bullocks and Cows, which brought us ft total close upon L 4,000. Mr C. Russell's lot (39 head) were tho best offered during the month, and averaged L3B per head all round. One choice pen realised the astounding price of L 59 per head. We can safoly renew our quotations of last month, with every prospect of Bitch being maintained ; say for primo fat cattlo and good quality LO per 100 lbs, second do or medium L 5 per 100 lbs, or, varying according to quality and immediate requirements, from L 35 to L4O per head. Fat SnßEP.— The eupply of sheep has not been at all equal to the demand ; only GOO have been brought forward, tho whole of which wero disposed of by us at rates varying from 42s to 62s per head, the latter figure being the nearest quotation ; theso all arrived by seaboard and were principally from Dunedin nnd Melbourne We quote Prime Wethers, heavy weights, at 70s %to 80s ; medium, 60s to GOs ; small sheep, 30s to 40s. Pigs.— Fifty-five introduced j a very small 1 number indeed, and which sold readily, at about Is 3d per lb, live weight. This description of stock is much required and will always command good rates. noRSES. — Prices certainly rising, and tho de1 mand good, particularly for good draught nnd well-conditioned pack-horses. Tho advent of warm spring weather will no doubt causo a brisk • demand, especially as so many now rushes aro ■ now attracting attention. • JONES, M'GLASHAN, & CO., Stock Salesmen.