MEETING AT PAPANUI.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 270, 23 April 1875, Page 3

MEETING AT PAPANUI.

A public meeting, to consider the advisableness of holding weekly sales of stock at Papanui, was held last Thursday at Wild’s Sawyer’s Arms Hotel. There was a good attendance, and Mr Thomas Tubman was voted to the chair.

The Chairman said that no doubt all present were aware of the purpose for which the meeting had been called, namely, to hold weekly sales of horses and cattle. Of his own knowledge he knew that not only those in the district, but a great number of persons in the North were favourable to the project. He did not think they could find a more central place than where they had met, in addition to which there was plenty of paddock accommodation, and he hoped in a short time to see a platform erected near for the landing of stock from the railway. He might mention that Mr Buss and Mr Rickman were favorable to these sales being started, and he believed that Mr Matson would also support them. In reply to a gentleman present, Mr Wild said that if the project proved a success, he would alter his present yards, and erect new ones as required. A wish had been expressed that a sale should be at once called by him, and if the meeting desired this he would call one, and erect hurdles for sheep. Mr Hack would prefer a company being formed, and permanent yards erected either on leased or purchased land near the hotel, or in some other central place contiguous to the road. If a company were formed all the auctioneers would attend to sell.

A gentleman at the end of the room, observed that there was no occasion to consult the convenience of auctioneers, as by their absence that evening they evidently wished to throw cold water on the project. Mr Jones and Mr Homer would prefer a company being formed and yards erected before a sale was called. Farmers might possibly attend the first sale called by Mr Wild, and send in stock for the novelty of the thing, but would become apathetic afterwards.

The chairman desired permission to say a few words. He confessed that he hardly saw the necessity of forming a company, as Mr Wild had made a fair offer, and had promised to alter his present yards, and extend them if necessary; all the risk would be his. Mr Kigham moved—“ That a sale be called by Mr Wild as early as possible.” Mr Amyes seconded the motion, ■ Mr Hack moved an amendment —“That a company be formed, and shares taken up before any sales are held.” Mr Grimsey seconded the amendment. On being put, the motion was declared to be carried.

Mr Wild did not think the meeting hardly understood him. If they would determine to hold regular sales at his place he would at once alter his yards to make sufficient accommodation for one or two sales, and if it was found necessary he would increase the accommodation. He had sixty-seven acres of grass divided into small paddocks, and would be happy to place them at the disposal of the owners of stock. If afterwards it was considered that he could not provide the necessary accommodation, a company might than be formed. Mr Hack would still like to see the matter in the hands of a company.

Mr Amyes moved—“ That this meeting approves of Mr Wild’s proposition.” Mr Jones seconded the motion, which was carried.

Some discussion following on the day of the week on which the sales should be held, j Mr Amyes moved—“ That a deputation, consisting of Messrs Tubman, Wild, Langdon, Johns, and the mover, be appointed to wait upon Messrs Buss and Rickman, and ask those gentlemen whether they can conveniently alter their days of sale; the deputation to report at a future meeting.” ' Mr Wild seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously, Mr J. T. Matson here entered the room, and after the applause had subsided, on being requested by the chairman to speak, he said he would be pleased indeed to further the movement by every means in his. power, and he trusted it would turn out a success. They all knew he was a salesman, and he could only tell them that he would be glad to see fixed sales established in all centres of population. [Hear, hear.] He had been told by the chairman the purport of the last resolution, but he was doubtful if the northern auctioneers would find it convenient to alter their days of sale. This concluded the business of the meeting.