WALTER PEAK STATION

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28869, 14 April 1959, Page 14

WALTER PEAK STATION

Only One Bid At Auction “The Press" Special Service DUNEDIN. April 13. Described by the auctioneer as “one of the best-known and most desirable properties in the South Island,” Walter Peak Station, situated across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, failed to change hands at an auction last week. Walter Peak Station has been in the Mackenzie family for about 80 years, and was offered for sale as a going concern by Mr Hugh Mackenzie and sons. The property consists of 1150 acres freehold and 56,000 acres Crown leasehold, with a number of dwelling houses, shearers’ quarters, huts, shearing shed and many outbuildings. The stock includes 5200 quarterbred ewes, 4800 wethers, 1800 hoggets, 2400 lambs. 165 rams, cattle and horses. There is also a full range of farm implements.

It is rare for such a property to be offered under the hammer, and the interest created was shown in the exceptionally large attendance.

The property was offered by Wright Stephenson and Company. Ltd., and Dalgety and Company, Ltd., in conjunction. By the time the auctioneer, Mr J. Dodgshun, was ready to begin, there was a large crowd which overflowed into the main office.

The auctioneer’s biggest task was to read the conditions of sale. This took about 18 minutes. Mr Dodgshun then asked: “Will anyone start me at £7o,ooo?’’ but there was no response. He rapidly reduced the amount to £40.000. There was a “Yes” from one person but no further bid. and the auctioneer then announced that the reserve price had not been reached.