THE FARMERS’ CO-OP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 72, 29 June 1916, Page 8

THE FARMERS’ CO-OP.

OPENING H)F INGLEWOOD YARDS.

‘ L An event in the history of the I‘aimers’ Co-op Organisation Society, Ltd., took place at Inglewood y ester.-* ■'day, when their new*yards, situated on the Junction Road, Inglewood, were officially opened business. It may be. mentioned that this is the eighth centre at which ;j the Company holds regular stock fact which speaks volumes for the progress nihde in Taranaki by the Company since its inception two years ago.

The yards are commodious,, and contain every possible convenience for stock drovers, and adjoin the Borough on a property of 27 acres. They comprise both cattle and sheep pens, and cover an area of 30011. by 250 ft. there is a metalled road to the main entrance, which leads to four drafting pens, 50ft. by 50ft. each. From these there are races, fitted with drafting gates, enabling the animals to be penned with the minimum of inconvenience. Altogether there are 85 cattle pens ranging in size from 18ft. x. 18ft., 18 x 9, and 9 x 9, the latter being for dairy animals or for small farmers’ lots, which can thus at ordinary sale times bo kept separate. Hie frontage of the yards is level with the main road and in a convenient there has been built a concrete .shed, 40 x 20/ with 13ft. stud, for the sale of dairy cattle. The shed is fitted with seating accommodation, and with an auctioneer’s rostrum. The yards are substantially built, the posts being of reinforced concrete moulded in position. All the rails and gates are of jarrah, whilst broad cap pieces have been provided fully two feet wide for the convenience of clients during the progress of the sales. The floors of all the pens are concrete, and provision hag been made for cleanliness by the installation of a flush drain in each pen, a copious supply of water being laid on from the Borough supply, which will also be utilised to maintain a supply of drinking water for the cattle in concrete troughs. The sheep pens are also up-to-date. In the course of his opening remarks, Mr A. Hunter (chairman of directors), said the stability of the yards conveyed the idea that they were a permanent institution. Another feature was that the yards were their own, and were a credit to them, and it rested with them to make the busi- 1 ness done through the yards a. credit also. Ho felt confident that the settlers would give the Society their support. In conclusion, Mr Hunter expressed the hope that the Co-op. would work on similar friendly terms with the opposition as had been the case in other centres. There was a large yarding of cattle and sheep, and the two auctioneers (Messrs -T. Hobbs and Oeo. Hobbs') were kept busy “knocking them down” until nearly dusk,