Improved trade recorded at weekly sheep sale at Allams, Belfast (1934)

All other classes showed a substantial rise. First grade lambs (of which there had been a big entry) were not adequate to meet requirements, and high figures were recorded for several owners.

Messrs B Orr and Sons received 47s; Mr James Baird, Greyabbey, 46s; and many others sold at between 38s and the foregoing figures.

There was much more activity in the export end of business, noted the News Letter. Values had advanced to 1d to 2d per lb in cross-Channel centres, consequently consignors of light lambs with finish participated in the improvement.

Medium and light weight crossbreds sold between 25s and 36s and finished Blackface wether lambs were sold for between 20s to 26s to exporters. Other grades crossbreds realised 20s upwards.

In all, over 700 lambs were purchased for export, a direct Manchester buyer taking half the quantity.

All classes of mutton sheep came in for “a keen inquiry at decidedly advanced rates”.

Crossbred and white ewes, first grade, sold for between 38s to 46s; Blackface ewes to 20s to 33s, and prime Blackface wethers from 28s to 34s.

Veal calves recorded up to £7 each.

The weekly sale of fat, store and dairy cattle had also been held at Allams.

The News Letter reported: “The entry of springing calved cows totalled over 120 head with again a big proportion of first grade animals. Mr K A Wright, farm manager of the Co-operative Society, acted as judge, and in the class for calved cows placed the exhibit of Mr Robert Allen first.

“It was sold to Mr W J Gray for £26 10s. Second prize from Mr T W McCullough went to Mr M Broadbent at £27. The first prize springing cow, from Mr David Stewart, was sold to Mr Robert Barron for £24 10s; the second prize, Mr Hamilton Coulter's was sold to Mr John Millar, at £22 10s.

“In this department there was 100 per cent, clearance, and a full attendance of English, Scottish and home buyers. Many sales for first grade animals took place between £20 and £27; second grade cows £16 to £19, and third grade animals from £12 upwards. In addition to the local clients there were buyers present from Cookstown and Derry purchasing high grade animals.

“Four hundred store cattle were on offer and the demand in this department continues unabated.

“Feeding cattle were strong request both by exporters and home feeders and many lots recorded from £10 to £13; wintering stirks and six-quarter cattle realised from £7 to £10.

“A strong entry of Free State calves found ready purchasers prices varying from £4 to £6 10s.

“With increased entry of fat cows prices for first grade animate ranged between £l2 and £l5, and other grades from upwards, and every lot cleared.”

The report continued: “With an entry of almost 700 fat bullocks and heifers last week’s quotations were maintained. There was a full attendance of both home and export buyers, and the vast supplies were distributed over many centres in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“Top quality held to last week’s rates, 34s per live cwt being recorded a number of times. The following clients participated: Mr Robert Wilson (Belmont), Mr John Kelly, Mr H Hamilton and Mr McCosh received 33s 9d; Mr John Nelson, 33s 9d; Mr A McGuinness and Mr James Hammond, JP, 33s; and Lord Londonderry, 33s 9d. Many other lots were sold between 31s and these figures.

“The Free State minimum limit for beef continues to have beneficial effect, and several new buying clients from over the border were operating extensively. In all upwards of 450 animals went for export, and the balance was distributed among home buyers.

“The demand was sound from the start, with hardening effect as the day went on, and prices were well sustained to the finish of the sale seven o’clock. With the bounty added top quality cattle are recording 37s to 39s per live cwt.”

On the day the mart was visited by Sir Basil Brooke, Minister Agriculture, Lady Brooke, Dr Scott-Robertson, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry, and Mr Taylor, the assistant secretary.

They were greatly interested in the certifying of the cattle by the ministry officers, under the supervision Mr McAllan, and visited the different sale rings, the procedure the business being explained by Mr E J Allam.