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Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 1 May 1926, Page 7

A visitor to Havvera during the week was Mr. Alfred Reid, of Napier, well known ail over the Island as auctioneer for Williams and Kettle, Ltd. Mr Reid was many (probably forty) years ago associated witli the old tirm of Messrs Nolan, Tonks and Go., in Hawera. Mr. Reid said that people over here had no conception of the acuteness of the position of the stock farmers in Hawke’s Ray as a result of "he continued drought. Farmers simply could not keep their stock because of th >‘ parched condition of the country, and they were either sent out of the district or to the works. Large numbers had gone to Wanganui, to Taranaki, and to the hinterland, wherever they could be absorbed, and many were sold at auction in the South Island centres. “Bus-fed” calves were being taken away and killed or sent to the works. Mr. Reid is of the opinion that there may be trouble in the spring if it is favourable, from a rush of pasture and stock available in short supply. But no doubt that will be overcome. Mr. Reid has a great record as an auctioneer, and has to his credit the securing of the great price of £2500 for a horse in the sale ring—a record, it is believed, for the Dominion. He is accompanied by Mrs. Reid, who is a sister of Lady Nolan. They are both enjoying the opportunity of seeing Hawera and the district once more. A novelty dance, with ladies’ and gents’ prizes, will he a feature of the Hawera Municipal Band dance, to be held in the Winter Show Hall tonight.