OPENING OF THE HAMILTON SALE YARDS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2470, 10 May 1888, Page 2

OPENING OF THE HAMILTON SALE YARDS.

— Mr J. McNtcot held the first sale yesterday, in the Hamilton Public Saleyards recently erected by the Borough Council, near the Hamilton West railway station. There was a very largo attendance (if settlers from all parts of the Waikato, probably two hundred being present. The amount of cattle and horses entered for sale, was such as has rarely been seen at any sale held in the district, l>'at stock wis very plentiful, and ot excellent quality, and thera were a great many pens of yearlings, with several head of dairy cows. Several mobs of sheep were entered and there were also fanning implements, drays, and cheese. Although th; sale was advertised to begin at eleven o'clock, it was not till after lunch time that Mr McNicol could get through with draughting and panning all his charges. There were about (100 head of cattle, 150 horses and 1300 sheep for disposal. The dairy cattle sold well and showed an improvement on late prices, milking cows fetching as much as i' 4 10s. The bidding for tho_ fat cattle commenced well, but languished and great numbers of fat and store beasts wore passed in. Fat steers realised £3 10s to £4 10--, and stores 35s to 40s. Sheep brought from 9s to 10 s for fat ewes, but most of the lots were withdrawn. Horses sold well ; there was a good demand tor hacks, which realised good values, from £8 to £10 and £11 ; weeds averaged 30s each. The side as a whole was a perfect success, and if anything like a fair proportion of yesterday's entries can always be obtained, and bring together buyors for tliem, there is no doubt the erection of the yards will be proved a progressive step on the part of the borough.