Saleyards for District.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 3713, 5 October 1926, Page 4

Saleyards for District.

TJie question of establishing' saleyards in the dist-ract was brought before the members of the Lake County A. and P. Society at Arnowtown on, Saturday Last. Mir L. Lee, who presided, stated that it was thought advisable to discuss this matter when the membeirs of the Society wore present. Hei said he would like to have seen a larger attendance. He then asked! Mir Ja.s. McLean, of Coronet Peak Station to tell the meeting something about the advantages of saleyards Mir McLean said he thought the time was ripe for holding a stock sale in the district. Auction sales of surplus stock were now being held in the principle centres throughout the: country. The only difficulty which presented itself was the distance from the railhead, but he thought that arrangements might be made with the Bailway Deportment to run a special steamer after the salel to convenience outside buyers. A local sale was far ahead of having to take stock to Tare ras or sell them on the place. If a stock sale were' held in the district it is probable that better prices would be realised. Mir McLean said that prejJimiinary steps would to bq( ,to.ke(ii| to ascertain if owners would hold their stock for a local sale. If his yardis were suitable for a start, he would be only too igla-d to give time, use of them.

The Chairman favoured the establishment of salieyardls, but they must first find out if owners of stock could be persuaded to hold same for a sale. It would not be possible for tow country sheepmen to hold their stock till March,’ but it would- suit high country men. There, would be no difficulty in transport of sheep via the Lake and Kingston, but lie considered the Kawarau Gorge road was not so suitable.

Mi' W. S. Reid said there should bar (no difficulty in taking sheep vi|a Kawarau Gorge road to Cromwell

Mr IPateii'iSon said that one or two stales* 'wore hold soma years ago, and the (main obstacle to success was that 'of getting buyers. Another difficulty 'experienced by outside buyers was 'that of holding sheep after they were- bought. He suggested holding two telesi—one about the end of January and one in April. Messrs 'Cockburn, J. Grant, Douglas, and A. Mcßride favoured holding sales of (stock. The latter said it would be (necessary to hold the sale ini January 1 because stock are- likely to go 'back except where thelte is irrigation. Tine sales should be held in as central a position as possible and entries of all classes of- stock should be taken.

Mir Romans thought this was a matter <for the sheep-owners to decide amongst themselves. He asked Mr Me Lean if he thought they would' get satisfactory prides. Mr 'McLean replied in the affirmative.

After some further discussion it was resolved! 'to hold a meeting 1 early in .ovembetr to further consider the question. In- the meantime the views of tsheep and stock owners could be ascertained.