CAMBRIDGE STOCK SALES.

Shannon News, 7 August 1928, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE STOCK SALES.

NOT ENOUGH COMPETITION.

AN ALLEGED "KING."

At a meeting of the Cambridge branch .of the Farmers' Union, Mr H. P. Hewitt made the suggestion that the union should endeavour to secure some improvement!, in matters connected with the Cambridge stock sales. The • speaker declared that it was well known that a "ring" operated at. the sales, which spoilt competition. The entries were not sufficient to induce out- \ side buyers to attend, and when any I did come along the "ring" operated against them. If combined sales were held they would get a better attendance of buyers. Mr Hewitt said that anywhere where combined sales were | held better prices were realised. The speaker said that the present conditions operated particularly against those who wished to sell 'a- few cull cows, etc. If these beasts were taken to Frankton they realised fully 10s per head more. Mr Hewitt* said he thought the union should try and remedy this flrnatter. . ' ' Mr-W. Beer thought it well worth while to make representations on the matter. He had come to the conclusion long ago that it was not worth while sending stock to the Cambridge sales, and for some time past had been sending animals to Frankton. That was no good for Cambridge.

The chairman said it was a common thing for Cambridge farmers to send truck-loads of stock to Frankton. The small man, however, or those who wished to dispose of a few. animals, could not do this, and had to accept whatever ho could get. Mr Jeans thought that combined sales would result in bigger yardings at Cambridge, and better competition. Mr Hewitt .stated that the "ring" was operating to keep out outside competition. One result was that there was a tendency to sell stock in the paddocks. He knew-of one auctioneer who had put through £33,000 in the paddocks in a space of a few months. Mr E. Simon thought the proposed combined sale would be a good thing, but doubted if they Avould get sufficient stock for a weekly combined sale.

After further discussion, it was unanimously resolved, on the .motion of Mr Hewitt, seconded by Mr Jeans, that the various auctioneering firms be requested to consider the proposal to hold combined sales of stock at Cambridge weekly during the spring months, and fortnightly at other periods of the year, the union being of the opinion that if this were done larger yardings would result, giving better returns to the sellers, and also reducing the expenses of auctioneering firms. —Waikato Independent.