WAINGARO.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 249, 9 February 1917, Page 2

WAINGARO.

NEW SALE YARDS

(By Our Own Correspondent.)

February 7th marked the commencement of a new era fur tbe Waingaro district, when the first ut our local stock sales was held.

The settlers having combined and built an extensive set ot sheep yards on the design ana under the guidance ol' Mr Worster, were able yesterday to be ready to bold a fair aa an openlog event.

Twentv-one thousand ewes, lambs and wethers of a quality which left little to be desired and which is up to now and perhaps will be the choicest yarding fur the aeaaon in this province. Although tbe yards are 16 miles from the railway by a very narrow and tortuous road, difficult for motors, tbe attendance was phenomenal. The buyers were from all parts, extending from Coromandel to Kaunmu, the throng almost excluding a sight of tbe sheep under tbe hammer. The sheep were entirely local, and for tbe most part borne bred, therefore were otfered in straight line?. Nearly ever? holding was represented. Each owner nominated th 3 firm he was desirous of selling through, and as each pen was filled a ticket with the firm's name was tacked next tbe number. Mr Harold Wilson acted as time keaper, and although be exhibited good nutured indulgence it times after blowing the wcistle, tbe sale was over at 3.45 and the count out begun, tbe yards being again clear by 7 p.m. Uader this system tbe Farmers' Auctioneering Company sold approimately 15,000, Dalgety 35UU and the Loan Company 2600. Tne number passed in did not exceed seventeen hundred. The prices were:—l wo Bnd four tooth ewes up to 46s 3d, four and six tooth up to 12a 6d, fresh full mouth ewes 30s to 38.', lambs from 15s to 24s 6rf, witn a few weedy at 7s to 12s. Some choice 6000 wethers raDged from 23s 6d to 35s 6d. at which figure 400 wer taken in one complete line. The Bcttlers are to be congratulated on the success of the movement, and February 7th can L>e called a red letter day tor tbe district, which somewhat compensates f.T the collapse of their bridge over tbe Waipa and the resumption ot punt traffic. Ihe buyers consider that prices might have been higher had they not bean physically exhausted by lack ot nutrition.