STOCK SALE AT WAERENGA-O-KURI.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 364, 14 March 1902, Page 3

STOCK SALE AT WAERENGA-O-KURI.

This first sale held at Waerenga-o-kuri took place yesterday, and although it was not largely attended, the business that resulted was, we understand, sufficiently encouraging to warrant the promoters, Messrs Common, Shelton and Co., considering the advisability of making it a periodical affair. Waerenga-o-kuri is about 21 miles from Gisborne, and is a lovely drive in fine weather, though during the wet season we would not recommend it. To thoroughly appreciate the difficulties that the County Council has to face in connection with the maintenance of the roads of the district one requires to drive over them during the summer and winter seasons, and then he would properly understand the reason why the local body in question has so large an overdraft. Travelling I from Gisborne to Waerenga-o-kuri, after getting off the fiat one has to journey over a long and winding clay hill, known as “ Gentle Anne,” and travel by road a distance of four or five miles in order to negotiate what can be done in a few hundred yards by means of a short cut over the hill. In the summer time, when the road is in good order, the drive is a most pleasant one, and one is further rewarded by getting two or three views

of Patutahi and Gisborne, which are well worth seeing. In fact we do not think we have 3een a prettier view of the Poverty Bay fiat than that which is obtained from the top of the hill in question. The greater portion of the road over “ Gentlo Anne ” has been re-formed and metalled, and during the coming winter should be much bettor than.it has hitherto been. Great interest was taken by settlers in the Waerenga-o-kuri and Tiniroto districts in yesterday’s sale, and the wish was generally expressed that the Gisborne firms of auctioneers would occasionally hold a fair there. Extensive preparations were made by Mr Kells, auctioneer for

Messrs Common, Shelton and Co., for the accommodation of the stock coming forward to the sale, excellent facilities being given for yarding and so forth. The proprietor of the Waerenga-o-kuri Hotel, Mr S. Morrison, also spread himself for the occasion, and did all in his power to make the gathering a success. Since Mr Morrison has entered into possesion of the hotel it has become one of the most popular houses in the district, and the traveller can rely on a hearty welcome, with good provision for man and beast, when he strikes Waorenga-o-lcuri. Yesterday an excellent lunch was laid under the cool

shade of the willow trees which surround the yards, and was much appreciated by all present. A special word of praise is due to Mrs and Miss Morrison for the arrangements made in regard to the nfttfirincr.

The sale started at one o’clock, and the lines were quickly got through. Sellers were in the majority, and Mr Kells did not waste time over those lots which there was little probability of selling. Amongst the lots disposed of was a nice line of wethers, secured by Mr H. PI. Wall ofc 9s. Several pons of ewes were bought by Mr E. A. Jackson at 5s 6d, and 400 ewes by Mr C. Matthews at 4s. A number of rams were also purchased by Mr Matthews. Several springing cows wore offered, and sold up to £5. Prior to the sale Mr Kells briefly addressed the gathering, pointing out that the sale was the first held in that district, and was promoted tor the convenience of settlers. The attendance was smaller than ho had anticipated, but be hoped on future occasions to see it much better.