THE DISPOSAL OF STOCK.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 41, 16 August 1895, Page 2

THE DISPOSAL OF STOCK.

TO TnE EDITOR OF THE STAR. Sut, — Before commencing my letter I must congratulate you upon tho fair and impartial stand that your paper invariably takes upon every public question. In marked contrast has been tho action of the so-called Liberal Press of Palmerston North on tbe above question. I cannot believe that farmers are going to continue paying five per cent comraibsion to the auctioneers, for merely putting stock in their yards ; for that is all it amounts to in nine cases out of ten, as very little stock is disposed of under the hammer, but negotiated for privately after the sale, generally with the owner alongside who has then the satisfaction of paying out of the tueagro trifle, lately obtained, five per cent on a transaction he might have conducted every bit as easily himself. Then again, is there any valid reason why we should have to pay nine per cent interest when our bills are discounted for six or seven? At least, let the farmers demand fair play from the auclioneers. Do not let them make fish of ono and lesh of another. It is a well-known fact that certain influential farmers are only paying the old rate of three aud a- half, also the w get thoir bills discounted at an easier rale than formerly. What is required is unity. There are too many auctioneers in tho district. Two stock auctioneers would be quite sufficient for our requirements. Lot the sales be fewer and on a larger scale. The fact is the business is overdone, there are too many tugging at the farmers. One ealo a month in each of tbe centres would be quite enough, and two per c*?nt cooimission would amply repay the auctioneers. I say again the farmers only require to combine to be a bio to demand these reasonable concessions. If only a majority of the farmers of tha district would absolutely refuse to pay these excessive charges the auctioneers must come down. A Farmers' Union is the thing wanted. Union is strength, and that this fact ia appreciated is proved if wo look around us at the combinations of labor, trade unions, aud professional associations. The farmer aloae pitshituself individually against tho close leßgued forces commercially arrayed against him. How, then, can he hope to defend hie interests Z Wo all want tho same tbiug in this instance, we are not divided, all we need tv do is to say with one voice, " Wo will not pay moro than two per cent commission," and within a mouth an auctioneer will be selling at that rate. I am, etc., J. G. Browne. Pohangina, August 14, 1895.