CHRISTCHURCH LIVE STOCK MARKETS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3079, 9 April 1892, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH LIVE STOCK MARKETS.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company report under date :— Christchuroh, March 18.—Store Sheep : Business in this department retains its life remarkably well. When the enormous number put through at the different sales lately is considered, the present state of the market, summed up shortly.is, namely, for two and four-tooth cross-breds, both for breeding and fattening, the demand is as keen as ever. Sound-mouth cross-bred and merino ewes show little alteration, and are still sought for, while aged ewes of both classes are lower in value and hard to quit. Cross-bred lambs, also, have suffered considerable dechno on values of a month ago, but will probably revive again when things have settled down again. Yesterday's market was fairly supplied with all classes, Ctoss-bred lambs predominating. The attendance was good and firm competition ruled for sound, young sheep, except lambs, which can now be bought at remunerative prices. Four, six and sound-mouth ewes brought 14s, two-tooths 13s to 14s 2d.—Fat Lambs : A good-sized entry penned, many of which were well grown and good sorts, but comparatively fdw prime quality. The season, however, appears to be about done, and the returns of those sold yesterday no doubt will convince farmers of this fact, for easier as store lambs are, they could be bought to better advantage in the fat pens yesterday, as a rule, than as stores.—Fat Sheep : The yards allotted to this class were well filled, an average proportion being prime croßs-breds, which met good competition and sold at full rates. Cross-bred ewes were in heavy supply and dragged considerably, except the uriraest; merinos were comparatively scarce and sold well. Best cross-bred W6thers brought 16s to 18s, do maiden ewes 15s to 16s, do aged cross-bred ewes 12e to 15s, do merino ewes Ss 6d to 10s, do merino wethers 10s to 13s 6d.—Fat Cattle : A moderate supply of beef mat good competition from the trade, and a clearance was effected at, for prime ox beef, from 18s to 19s per lOOlbs, inferior and cows 14s to 16s per lOOlbs. Bw<t steers brought £5 10s to £8 10s, heifers £5 to £6 15s cows £4 to £6 12s 6d.—Store Cattle ; About 140 head yarded, which included, besides the usual collection of old cows, bulls, &c, a few pens of useful young Btock. These met strong competition, and sold at rates hardly dreamt of twelve months ago Pairy cattln were in small supply, and sold roll.