AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11534, 20 November 1900, Page 7

AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OP , , DELEGATES. * •AUCTIONEERS' CHARGES DISCUSSED. The council of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association and delegates from, affiliated bodies held their annual conference yesterday at.the association rooms, Hurst and Co.'s, Queen-street. Mr. J. G. Rutherford (president of the association) occupied the chair, and among a crowded attendance the following were present:—Messrs. J. Allan (Waingaro), J. M. Phillipps (Helensville), R. A. Bent and Samuel Browne (Southern Wairoa), H. R. Hogg (Opotiki), J. Shipherd (Franklin), H. Gillott and O. T. Barriball (Waikato), John Udy, G. Ballard (Franklin), A. G. Glass, J. G. Gray, R. Reynolds (Cambridge), J. Mackay (Ohinemuri), H. C. Nutsford (Kaipara), H. C. Blundoll (Bay of Islands), M. Butler, John Fisher, E. Allan, H. Irving (Cambridge), G. Cliff (Kaipara), J. A. Morrison (Waipu), A. A. Bowler (To Aroha), F. W. Burnett (Te Aroha), J. A. Milne (Tamahere), A. Trotter (Rodney), W. Greenwood (Omaha), W. G. Park (Cambridge), M. ,W. Armstrong (Whangarei), W. McLaughlin, W. Westncy, R. Dick, T. Coatcs, G. Peacocko, J. Mackay (Ohinemuri), M. M. Kirkbride (Mangere), J. Barugh (Waikato), W. F. Massey, M.H.R., A. Anderson (Mangere), H. Pilkington (Tamaki), L. Ballard (Franklin), J. Ambury (Helensville), and the secretary of the Auckland Agricultural Association (Mr. E. Hall). ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE. The executive of the council for the ensuing year were elected as follows:—Messrs. E. Allen, G. Ballard, J. Fisher, W. Greenwood, James Hume, R. Hall, M. M. Kirkbride, W. F. Massey, C. Shipherd, J. Barugh, \V. Westney, and John Udy.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. Mr. J. G. Rutherford (president), in the course of the annual address, spoke of the great pleasure it gave him to meet so many representative settlers from all parts of the province, and to be able that day to refer to the material improvement that had taken place in the prices of all classes of stock since their last meeting, and to the general prosperity in which the farmers were now participating. It was many years since beef reached 25s per lOOib, sheep 28s 6d each, and horses over £50 each. There is no doubt that the advance in the price of fat stock was mainly due to the reorganisation of the Auckland Freezing "Works, to the prevalence of foot and mouth disease in the Argentine, and to the demand for tinned meat for South Africa. Still, even now prices were lower here than in Canterbury, but with the opening up of large blocks of land in the Kawhia • district and in the King Country, it was to be hoped that the supply of suitable prime stock would soon so increase as to bring Auckland prices up to those realised in other parts of New Zealand. The most important matter for consideration was that of auctioneers' fees. The committee were of opinion that the commission charged for selling stock was too high; in fact, it was higher in Auckland than in any other part of New Zealand. The sees charged in other parts of the North Island varied from 2£ to 4 per cent., exclusive of yard fees. Some years ago the local auctioneers raised the rate of commission on account of the low price obtainable for stock. This appeared rather hard to the farmer, but, ot course, it was only business, .16 the auctioneers' expenses were just as heavy, while their commission was considerably reduced. Now that prices had recovered the committer thought it not unreasonable to ask for the reduction which the auctioneers promised should be granted when prices recovered. The auctioneers held that they did not handle the quantity of stock that auctioneers in the southern part of thie island did. Probably they did not so much store stock; but with regard to fat stock, the buyers of the Wellington Meat Export Company, the Gear Company, and Messrs. Nelson Brothers, were constantly travelling through the Wellington, Hawke's Bay, and Taranaki provinces purchasing fat stock. One gentleman in the Wellington province, with a breeding stock of 150 cows and 3000 ewes, informed him that the commission charged in his district was 2£ per cent., but that he very rarely sold any stock by auction, as he invariably sold his fat stock direct to the freezing companies, and that, was the general custom. At a sale of store stock held in Papakura last month, some 3000 head of cattle were yarded. Several of the pens contained 20 bullocks, selling at £5 per head. Now a commission of 5 per cent, meant that the seller had to give the auctioneer one bullock and 10s yard fees for about one, minute's time in passing that pen under the hammer. Out of that sale the auctioneer got about 150 head of cattle, averaging £4 per head, and £75 in' addition, oi about 19 head for yard fees, making in all 169 head for his trouble. These cattle would probably pass through the auctioneer's hands a second time as beef, when, of course, a further commis•ion and yard fees have to be paid. It was for them to decide what action was best to take in this matter. The President then proceeded to shortly draw attention to the work which had been done at the New Zealand Agricultural Conference, held in Wellington in June last. He briefly referred to the Noxious Weeds Bill, the question of the size of sacks, army remounts, the Auckland metropolitan show ground, the Slaughtering and Inspection Bill, importation of bones, judging by points, and a number of other matters, about which a good deal had previously been said. In speaking of the proposed show ground, the President said that a very influential deputation, including 11 of the Auckland representatives, had interviewed the Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones, Acting-Minister for Lands, for the purpose of inducing the Government to grant to their association the piece of ground lying south of Ellerslie station, for a metropolitan show ground. The Minister, in reply, said he recognised thai it was the duty of the Government to encourage agricultural societies, that he thought the proposal put before him was a desirable "one, and that he would make a recommendation that the request be granted. A clause to give effect to this proposal was inserted by the Hon. T. Duncan in the Reserves Disposal and Enabling Bill, but, unfortunately, this Bill had been among " the slaughtered innocents." The President strongly deprecated any increase of taxation on land, quoting statistics culled from tho New Zealand Official Yenr Book for the year ending March 31, 1899, showing the total agricultural exports amounted to £11.938,355, or about 30 times the value of manufactured goods, which only totalled £378,000. These were Startling facts, and were to bo commended to that class of politicians who seemed to fancy that the land was a kind of State cow, which the tax-gatherer could milk. as many times a day as he felt disposed, x'he address closed with a brief reference to the show, which terminated on Saturday last, and sugjesting that the question of holding the show in the middle of the week should be fully considered.

Mr. Massey, M.H.R., shortly complimented the president upon his able address, nnd extended the sympathy of all those present to the committee for the ill-luck they had had in having such inclement weather during the show; JUDGES' EXCURSION TICKETS. Mr. Butler moved, " That as the present regulations relating to the excursion tickets 'for judges were impracticable, the conference should suggest to the Railway Department the necessity of granting tickets upon receipt of a stamped certificate from the secretary. Ho pointed out that there had been great difficulty in this matter. Mr. Ambury seconded, and the resolution was carried unanimously. DAY OF SHOW. ' The chairman brought up the question of altering the date of the show; some people suggested Tuesday and Wednesday as better day* than Friday and Saturday. Many visitors returned home early on Saturday, as it was inconvenient to remain in town until Monday. Mr. McLachlan suggested that Christmas week would be a good time for the show. The secretary advocated the holding of the show in the middle of th. week, as Wednesday was almost as universal a holiday as Saturday, and if the weather was wet thev could have an extra clay. A \ number of other gentlemen also expressed their views. It was moved by M.. Massey, " That this conference is of opinion that the annual show of the. Auckland Agricultural Association should be held on Tuesday and Wednesday in future, instead of as at present, on Friday and Saturday. He hoped that by next year the association would have their own show ground'alongside the railway at Ellerslie. Mr. Kirkbride seconded Mr. Massey's motion. The alteration of days would be of great benefit to the Waikato exhibitors The recommendation was unanimously adopted. SPARKS FROM ENGINES. Mr. Phillipps moved, "That this conference continue to represent to the Minister for Railways the injury done t«> farmers whose lands adjoin the railway, by fires caused by sparks from railway engines, the ruin from which fires being increased by want of sufficient provision on the part of the Railway Department." Mr. Massey seconded. -He thought that person* who had suffered from these fires should bo com-

pensateU ,• He also strongly condemned the coal whldh is used on the ' engines !in the Auckland 'railways. The recommendation was agreed to. On the motion of Mr. Kirk-/ bride, a further resolution, to' the effect that settlers should,' be compensated for damage caused by fires arising from these causes, was also carried. ' ; - : : AUCTIONEERS' FEES....:,

The president intimated that by arrangement with a number of the auctioneers, a deputation was to wait that day on the auctioneers and see if some settlement could be arrived at regarding commissions. The terms that the executive of the association suggested which he hoped the conference would approve of, were as follows:—1. "That this conference having duly considered the matter, think the commissions now charged by Messrs. A. Buckland and Sons and the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company in the Auckland province excessive." 2. "That the attached scale of charges be recommended and approved by this conference." 3. That a committee be appointed to wait upon the above-mentioned firms to arrange matters in a friendly and ' amicable manner." The commissions were as follows:—All pedigree stock. 5 per cent.; j horses, either by auction or private, 5 per cent.; ordinary cattle or sheep (clearing . sales), sold by auction with reserve, 4 per cent.; cattle or sheep without reserve, 3i per cent.; pigs, 5 per cent.; all paddock or private sales of ordinary cattle or sheep, 3 per cent.; no yard fees to be charged in any case. The same assistance with regard to paddooking to be given as before. A deputation, consisting of Messrs. J. Barugh, J. G. Park, H. Irwin. John Massey, J. Ambury (Helensville), Thoa. Coates. Henry Nutsford, C. T. Barriball, J. Fisher, C. Shiphord, J. Milne, H. Hogg (Opotiki), M. Mackay. F. W. Burnett, and E. Allen, was appointed for the purpose of waiting upon the representatives of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company and Messrs. A. Buckland and Sons. A considerable discussion ensued, in which the president, Messrs. Barugh, Armstrong, Phillips, Kirkbride, and others took part. Each of these gentlemen strongly advocated the necessity of lowering the foes of the auctioneers, giving their views as to the commissions which they considered it would be fair to charge, and comparing the commissions charged in Auckland with those recognised in other parts Of the colony. The question of accommodation fees was also commented upon, it being pointed out that by this means many farmers were severely taxed for the benefit of a few. • Mr. Massev. M.H.R., suggested that 5 per cent, should be charged for all podigrep stock up to £20, and * per cent, after that figure, but did not press it as an amendment. Mr. Barugh brought up the question of advertising charges. . It was deoided that seeing that the Waikato auctioneers did not chareo for advertising, whereas in Auckland it had been the j custom to debit the seller, with the cost of advertising, to insert a clause that "no advertising be charged except in the case of private clearing sales or by special arrangement with the seller." The deputation left the meeting about twelve o'clock for the purpose of interviewing the auctioneers in question, and laying before them the terms agreed upon by the conference. . Upon the conference resuming its sitting at two o'clock. Mr. E. Hall (secretary) read the following letter which had been received from the auctioneers, in answer to requests of the deputation:—"J. Barugh. Esq. Dear B i r —With reference to this morning s conversation relative to the auctioneers' charges on which you ask a reduction. We propose keeping our commission as at present, but from the commencement of the year will cease charging yard fees.-Faithfully yours (Signed) Alfred Buckland, Inow Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency and Co. (Frank Bodle, manager)." ■»*„,,«, In answer to a further request, Messrs. Buckland and Sons sent the list of their present charges, as *°"? w3 A : H f *!'. J **f cent, and yard fees Is 6d advertisement extra. Cattle: Country sales, 5 per cent, and 6cl per head fee; Remuera, 4 per cent, and 6d per head fee. Sheep: Remuerau4 per cent, and Id per head fee. Pigs: Remuera, 4 per cent, and 3d per head fee. Mr. Barugh said that the Waikato farmers had already taken steps in the direction of establishing saleyards of their own, in a position suitable for the sale of fat stock tor the Auckland market. They had now obtained promises of considerable support, ami he thought that ir the farmers would only act as one body the object could easily be accomplished. L , i i. „ „:*« Mr. Fisher thought it had been a pity that the auctioneers had not been invited to be present at the meeting of the conference that morning. _ , Mr. Hall said that members of Mr. Buckland's firm had been approached as to bein or present that day. m Mr S. Browne said that a similar request to that from the conference had D*;en made by the Farmers' Union, and that *h*y had then refused to do anything. ( Mr. Armstrong said that the armors Union had decided to start co-operative saleyards throughout the province if the auctioneers did not agree to their request. The President said that the question m a nutshell was whether the conference was to abide by the charges fixed upon that morning or were to accept the terms of the auctioneers. He might point out that the Loan and Mercantile Company were soiling stock in the Wairarapa, charging one per cent, less commission than Up here. Mr. Dick finally moved, " That a committee should be set up for the purpose of considering the amount of support which they would get if they should establish cooperative saleyards." He proposed that the committee should consist of Messrs. Barugh. Fisher. A. Butler, S. Browne, Coates, Rutherford, Barribnll. Armstrong, Hawkin, Hogg, Burnett. Nutsford, Ambury, John Massey, Kirkbride, Anderson, Westney, and McLaughlin, with power to negotiate with the auctioneers if they saw fit. Mr. Massey. M.H.R., shortly upheld the vioWk. which had been taken by Mr. Dick. He considered it was time that something should be done, but was satisfied that no steps should be taken until they were sure that they had sufficient support. Air. Ambury proposed as an amendment, " That the charges as submitted by the auctioneers be accepted for the next 12 months, and that at the annual meeting next year delegates report as to the support which might be expected to be given to co-operative Balevards." Mr. McLaughlin seconded. Upon being put to the meeting, the motion was carried by a large majority. The committee was instructed to report to the annual meeting of the Agricultural Association in February next, tho secretary in the meantime to write to the secretaries of affiliated .societies asking them to obtain tho support of the settlers in forming these saleyards. It was decided to write to the auctioneers, thanking them for what they had done but regretting that they had not been able to accede to the conference's request. Previous, to the conclusion of the meeting, it was intimated that a sum of over £2000 had already been promised for the purpose of erecting co-operative saleyards.

RAILWAY CROSSINGS. , Mr. Phillipps moved, "That this Conference exercise its influence in obtaining more equitable treatment from the Railway Department in reference to railway crossings." He pointed out the injustice which was done in charging farmers a large aum per annum for the right of using crossings on railways which passed through the lands of settlers. Mr. Ambury seconded. At the request of Mr. Fisher, the words " and that the executive of this Council bo requested to obtain the true legal position in regard to the matter," were added. The resolution was carried unanimously.

STOCK INSPECTION. Mr. Ambury brought up the question of the inspection of stock. Ho moved, "That this conference strongly urges upon the Department of Agriculture the desirability of giving powers of slaughtering stock compulsorily only to men who are duly qualified veterinary surgeons." Mr. Armstrong seconded. Mr. Massey said he thought the best plan was for a deputation from the Council ot the association to wait upon the Minister on his expected visit to Auckland next month. Mr. Massey's suggestion was agreed to.