SETTLERS AND STOCK SALES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 480, 6 July 1912, Page 5

SETTLERS AND STOCK SALES.

METHOD OF SELLING

AN ASSOCIATION WANTED

At the meeting on Wednesday night to consider the question of establishing a freezing works in the district, the methods_governing the stock sales of the district was referred to by Mr Skelton. He referred to the fact that at present, most of the store sheep bad to be sent to Ohaupo for Bale, and suggented that something should be done to organise the sales in the district, bo that the auctioneers should sell on the same day.

Mr Boddie said he agreed with the previous speaker with respect to sheep sales. He thought the cattle sales were satisfactory. The idea of people from this district travelling to Ohaupo and buying* their neighbours' sheep was ridiculous. He thought if the auctioneers were approached and good autumn sheep fairs insisted upon the position would be met. Mr Voyce said the best plan would be to get the auctioneers to work in assoication and sell on the one day. It simply meant that a manager should be appointed by the firms to take stock at the yards and have proper arrangements to handle them in the interests of all. He moved that the meeting affirm the principle of selling in the one yard on the same day. The motion was seconded by Mr Briscoe. Mr Boddie said the motion raised the whole question of accommodation which was greatly taxed at present in the summer sales. He doubted if the scheme was workable. Mr Ross said at Feilding over forty thousand sheep were penned and three auctioneers sold on the one day and got through satisfactorily. The biggest difficulty was the vested interests of the auctioneers. It could pot be long before the present yards would bave to be shifted, and it would be wise for the farmers to take the opportunity to make better arrangements. Mr Somerville said the rapid growth of the district necessitated more attention being paid to the organisers of the sales so as to give the district the best possible opportunity. Matters were certainly improving compared with what had been the case. He thought a good fair was an assured thing for next year. The motion was carried, the only dissentient being Mr Boddie. A further motion that the committee elected to deal with the freezing works proposal should approach the auctioneers on the subject of sales was carried unanimously.