Selling Fat Cattle by Weight.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 23 October 1890, Page 2

Selling Fat Cattle by Weight.

On the Bth July last, iov the first time, Messrs Oii -.-or and Son, Valley-field-streot, Edinb >rough, one ofthe largest stock-dealing firms in the south of Scotland at their usual Edinborough stock sale for fat stock, had in operation a largo weighbridge which has just been erected to their oder by Me .r_ Henry Pooley and Son, Liverpool and Glasg >w. Iv appearance the weighbridge rehembles a large oblong iron pen, with siding gates. Underneath it, nnd belo*- th** flour le-el, aye th» usual steelyard weighing anangenients, while in connection with it, and faring the sa'e ring, is a large c rcular c ock dial with indicator and weights marked up to four tons. The cattlo on their way to the ring passed ovor the weighbridge, and were detained for a moment there, whi'" thoir weight was recorded by tho indicator on tho dial in sight of the buy rs, who had thus an accurate record of the weights of the animals they were buying, instead of having to guess it by any method, aa formerly. On the other hand, the salesman was able to encourage tho bidders by reminding them of the we'gbt of the animals in the ring, and both parties seem well satisfied with the results. Though the 6ale was a heavy one, the weighing of cattle in this way produced no delay — a fresh beast, or pair of beasts, being put on the weighbridge wbile the sile of those last weighed went on in the ring. In connection with these weighing machines, tabes have been prepared, so that by a simple calculati >n a buyer cm tell to a pound what ho is purchasing. The publication of live weight has given a great impetus to the system of selling fat st^k by weight, and auction-

c rs at Horn- 0 are responding to the desire on ihe part of their clv nts that this method should be adopted for fat stock by erecting weighing machines in 'heir sab j rings, so giving effect to tbeir wishes. Miss Elisabeth -.altitude, of England died a few weeks a>. o ag'-nl 80. For nearly thirty years she was a successful preacher in connection witii the Primitive Methodists, ancl was tne las*, of the female ministers who years ago did such important service for that Connexion. It is reported that Mr G. W.Russeh, one time proprietor of this paper, lias announced himself as s candidate for lleathcote. He is an opponent of present Government. Efforts are being made to induce Mr E. Richardson to contest Heathcote.