PUBLIC MARKET FOR GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2251, 8 September 1891, Page 3

PUBLIC MARKET FOR GERALDINE.

A public meeting of farmers, auctioneers, stock agents, and others interested was held at the Town Board Office, Geraldine, yesterday afternoon, to consider the advisability of erecting Public Yards at Geraldine. Mr White, who was voted to the chair, explained the reason for calling the meeting, and called on Mr Webster, as the prime mover in the affair to speak. Mr H. B. Webster said that, as the prime mover in the affair, it was necessary that he should state his position. In doing so he would like to eliminate everything personal, and merely state what he considered the essential points. In doing so it would be necessary to say why he considered it advisable to form Public Yards. Owing to private matters in connection with Mr Mundell and himself a few days ago, he had notice that on the expiration of the term of agreement on December Ist he would have no more right to do business in the Geraldine Yards. Of course, on receipt of that he took very careful thought about the best means of adopting. It was a very serious matter, and he knew if he was not very careful a split would be made, and one of the best fairs in Canterbury would be spoiled. He took counsel with Beveral interested in the watter to find out the best course to adopt. He was aware that there was a Market Reserve put aside by the Town Board for the purpose of Public Yards, and on. mentioning this matter those- interested thought it would be a good thing to prevent him (Mr Webster) from putting up private yards; that the farmers should amalgamate and put up public yards for themselves. He had taken steps to pur- ' chase the right of lease that lasts at present for about three years. He next interviewed the Town Board to know if they would grant extended powers to a company if one was formed, and they were willing to meet him upon the matter. After the Town Board meeting a few gentlemen met him on the fair day, and many of them were quite willing to take up' shares, provided a company was formed. The section was just across the bridge past Mr Heney's house. It was a good site, being well surrounded by roads, and only two or three minutes' walk from the town. Upon this he called a public meeting for that afternoon to fully discuss the matter. All he would say was that he was most anxious that there should be no split with regard to the matter. He could see no ■ reason why the fair under a company should not be even a greater success than it had hitherto been. They wanted it so that every man should have the same right and same powers, and so that there would be no chance of any man being suddenly put in the position he. was at preseut in. Mr Mundell = You might state the reason why you got that notice from me. Mr Webster.- lam quite willing, if the meeting desires it. I have no desire to bring in personal matters, and of course thought it better to leave it out. '' A Farmer: As farmers we did not come to '" hear auctioneers' disputes. The question ' is whether we will have public yards or private; Mr Webster: lam quite willing to bring

it forward if necessary. , Messrs Deßenzy, Orbell, and others spoke, tand said they thought it best left out and, VMr Mundell agreeing, that course was pursued. Mr Webßter moved, and Mr D. McDonald Beconded—" That the present meeting

agrees that yards be erected on the Market Reserve, and that steps be taken to float a company for that purpose." Mr A. E. Cox, said that the owners of the present yards had been to considerable expense in improving the yards lately, and he thought that if the agents could be put on an equal footing by some means or other it would be much better than erecting new yards. The present yards he considered in the most suitable position. Mr Webster said that the present meeting would have to come to something definite, for in the event of them not doing so he would have to erect private yards. M* Skinner moved, and Mr Cox seconded as an amendment—" That the old site be retained, and that the yards be leased or purchased from the owners." Mr P. MdShane considered that the present yards were doing good and would do good, but he thought the present site very unsuitable for a public company to take up, as the Town Board might at any moment expel them. The present yards were a great nuisance to the public. He thought the public should have public yards on a similar basis to the Addington yards. They would then have a good sale and no ring. He considered it was only a ring that ' had caused the present split. They wanted public yards where everyone could do as he liked.

Mr R. Hammond thought that the present yards were very unsuitable for a company to. take over, as they would be likely to 1 get notice from the Town Board K to quit. ' « ~'■ Mr Mundell- said they would be in just just the same position with regard to the Market Reserve. . 3fr Pearpoint thought that the proprietors should state what terms they would . sell on. Mr Mundell said his idea was that the owners appoint a valuator to value the yards. Mr Orbell said it seemed to him that the public would hardly be likely to subscribe to a company for yards from which they would likely be removed by the Town Board. He thought it would, be better if the present owners would lease the yards at a fixed rental. He was sorry to see that there was a division in the matter. Tha chairman pointed out gtbe. 21 years' lease would keep the Town Board from putting them out. Mr Mundell: Not if they became a nuisance. Mr Shiers thought they had come to the meeting with insufficient information, and moved °a further amendment, which was afterwards withdrawn, together with the

previous amendment, and motion, in favor of an amendment by Mr Pearpoint, seconded by Mr Orbell —"That Messrs Orbell, Skinner, McShane, Kelman, Lewis, Brophy, Webster, and Cox'i.be a committee to meet the proprietors of the Geraldine saleyards, and find out on what terms they would lease or sell, and also to report on the market reserve proposal, and report on both at a public meeting to be held next week." .

Mr Mundell, towards the close of the meeting, said they would be willing to lease their yards to a company. A vote|.of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.

Teas free from any excess of Asr tringency—South British Tea Company's |*ure blends. All Storekeepers.—[Advt.]