FARMERS' MEETING AT SEFTON.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1255, 27 March 1878, Page 3

FARMERS' MEETING AT SEFTON.

A large and influential meeting of farmers and others residing in this district was held at Mr Ramsay's Sefton Hotel, on Monday evening, to take into consideration the desirability of having periodical sales of farmers' stock and the erection of sale yards. Mr Vaughan, who was voted to the chair, read the advertisement culling the meeting, and in doing so pointed out the very great benefit that would accrue to the district generally bv the establishment of sale yards. He then called upon some one to express an opinion on the subject. Mr Buss was then called for. and said it was now fifteen years since he commenced the business of auctioneer in Rangiora. There he originally started with quarterly sales. Finding this was insufficient, he altered it to monthly, from that to fortnightly, and then to weekly. Rangiora was then very little larger than Sefton is now, and the sales held there at the present time were, with the single exception of those at Christchu.-ch, second to none in New Zealand, either in favorable prices for what was sold, or for quantity sent for sale. He had not the least hesitation in saying that the establishment of sale yards at Sefton would prove a great success. The town was very centrally situated, and commanded a lar'ge surrounding district, which produced great quantities of firpt-class stock, and prices as good as those which were obtained at Rangiora could also be had here. After some further remarks from Mr Buss, it was proposed by Mr G. Holt, and seconded by Mr D. Gorrie,—" That it is the unanimous wish of this meetirg that saleyards be immediately established in Sefton." Mr'Houghton, in speaking to the proposition, said that it was well known that no more central site for such a purpose could be obtained than this township. It was within easv distance of all the district, and there was no doubt the sales would be well patronised. They all knew what difficulties had to be met when the River Ashley was fl oded, and also the distance to Rangiora. After some general discussion the proposition was put and carried unanimously. The Chairman laid a plan of the township on the table, a site was chosen, and substantial offer of assistance in paying for the material and erection of the yard was made, and £75 for that purpose handed to the chairman. Mr Buss undertook to pay the yearly rental on the lease being drawn up for five years, making a donation besides. It was proposed by Mr Houghton, and seconded bv Mr G. Gorrie that Mr Vaughan, Mr G. Holt, and Mr O. Gorrie be appointed a committee to decide on plans, Mr C. H Pomberton undertaking to supply them gratis. Mr D. Gorrie was appointed to superintend the work of erection. A petition was drawn up and signed by all present, requesting the general manager of railways at Christ-church to provide the ueeesSRry accommodation for the loading and unloading sheep and cattle. A vote of thanks to the chairman and Mr Buss brought a very successful meetirg to a close.