OHAUPO CATTLE SALES AND THE FARMERS' GRIEVANCE.
TO THK KUIL'OB. Sir, — As I know you are a keen advocate of farmers' rights and privileges, I take the liberty of asking you to ni&«rt in the columns of Thk Waikato Tim Erf a few lines respecting the sale of stock at Ohaupo and other places in the Waikato, which aie as follows :— ln the fir«t place, considering the low prices ruling' for .stock of all kinds lately, I think, in justice and selfdefence, it is high time for the farmers, graziers and cattle dealers of Waikato f o unite in sending a requisition to the auctioneers, or, perhaps still better, a deputation of the most influential and interested parties concerned to wait on them individually, with the object of inducing them to dispense with the present custom of Gd per head yard fee, and also to reduce their commission for selling stock to 2£ per cent, instead of £3 Vh per cent, as at pi'esont. In justification of this move, I wish to point out that the existing scale of auctioneer's charges is exorbitant, as every beast sold in the yard (fees and commission included) tho owner pays 5 per cent for the selling of it. Take first, f«r instance, a two year-old steer sold for £2 or 5 per cent ; but take a yearling &old at 30s:, the cost is 5^ per cent., and for smaller stock of which a great deal is sold, the charge is still higher. The grown stock of coui.^a does not cost so much ; but, taking the average all (through, the chaiges amount to 5 per cent, as above stated. When stock were selling some time ago at double the price they are now, the auctioneers percentage, was no greater. But perhaps the auctioneer would argue that the present reduction in prices reduces their commission in proportion, and that in depressed times like now they are likely to have more cases of bad debts. This may be true so far, but against this I would say : 1. That they now aell about double the amount of stock that they did then, with little or no increased expense, and that their business is likely to still further increase. 2. It is, I think, rather unreasonable to expect that those who are true to their engagements with them, more especially in hard times, should have to (indirectly) recoup, in the way of high charges, the auctioneers for any unforeseen mistakes or los-.es that they may have incurred. It is very bad policy to kill the goose that lays the golden epg, and even auctioneers, as well as bank managers, would feel it to their advantage to act upon the principle of " live and let live," as without sellers and buyers they will not do much business. I do not wi&h nu* do I think it necessary for me to enlarge on tho above, as I feel sure that the importrnce of the subject will commend itself to the farmers, and graziers generally, and that some of my fellow-sutferers with more ability and influence will take immediate steps in the matter and carry it to a successful issue. I am of opinion the matter need only be broached and discussed in a respectful manner with the auctioneers, when they will, as concipntious and just — thinking men, readily grant the concession sought after — and I trustMr Editor, that you will also consider the matter of sufficient importance as to enlist your sympathy and support, so as to give a helping hand to have the matter amicably adjusted as soon as possible. I will now rest with subscribing myself, — Yours obediently, One of thk Suffekeks.
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Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2251, 11 December 1886, Page 3
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615OHAUPO CATTLE SALES AND THE FARMERS' GRIEVANCE. Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2251, 11 December 1886, Page 3
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