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Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43326, 16 May 1908, Page 2

It seems that there is some probability of Messrs Alfred Buckland and Sons’ business being turned into a Farmers’ Auctioneering Company, on somewhat similar lines to those on which McNicol and Co., was taken over. In taking over a business of this kind there are one or two points which ought to be carefully considered. Firstly, the advantage which will come to the farmers; secondly, is it wise for them to lock their money up in a concern in which they will only get a low rate of interest, and will be competing with Financial Institutions that are content to earn a very low rate of interest.. On the first point, there can be no doubt that the farmers are benefitted by having the buying and selling of stock in their own hands, and being their own

masters. By owning the Auctioneering Company they strengthen their own position and become masters instead of servants. With regard to the second point it would be unwise for a farmer to lock up a large amount of capital earning a low rate of interest if he required it for his farming operations and most farmers have very little capital to spare. Still with a number joining together it would not be missed from his farm as many farmers frequently carry more stock than it is desirable to do. With respect to the second part of this question, this is the only real objection which can be taken, that the farmer is coming in contact with financial institutions, which can afford to lend money at a low rate of interest. However, if the business were well managed there would be very little for the farmer to fear. It is to be hoped that shortly the farmers will not only own the Auctioneering business in Waikato, but also the Auctioneering business in Auckland.