FARMERS AND AUCTIONEERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11537, 23 November 1900, Page 3

FARMERS AND AUCTIONEERS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, Now that the result of the conference of the farmers, held after the show, is over, re the vexed question of commission fees, I, as a ; farinoi, wish to say a few word» <**»

behalf of the auctioneers, both in Auckland and Waikato, and I am surprised that others (whom I know the firms have helped over many a money trouble) should not. gay a word on • the auctioneers' behalf. Many a farmer lias been accommodated and helped on the road to success and been, able to pay rent and provide for his family through the help extended by the auctioneering firms, both in Auckland and Waikato. Many a poor widow and farmer who wants a ton 01 so of bonedust, or some grass seed or produce, being known to any of the said firms, sends for it and pays for it when they have cattle or stock to sell. It would.be a sorry day for the poor class of farmers were the auctioneering firms to close their books against accommodating the farming community. And another reason why the wealthy farmers should not be so hard on the said firms is this: Does the accommodation the auctioneers, give only extend to farmers.? .Surely they must know better than this, for how many" butchers pay cash for their purchases in the fat market? Not one in every ten; nor could they pay cash. As one butcher said to me, "Were I compelled to pay cash to tho auctioneers, then I would be compelled to close up shop, and many others also." What would lie tho consequence of this? Instead of having many men bidding for our stock at the public yards we*, would only perhaps have two or three. How often do the fanners around Auckland complain of an Auckland firm having too great a monopoly of the butchering trade, and say they would get better prices if there were more butchers bidding? I know upon my head will fall the wrath of somo of my fellow farmers, but I am writing from experience, and I am not tho only one who has received help from auctioneers. And if the books of the abused firms could only speak, what ft lot of well-to-do farmers of to-day they would put to shame for abusing the hands that helped them over many a troublesome money matter. Let anyone try to show the poor, struggling farmer where he will, receive greater benefactors than the auction firms of the present day, and how you can prevent the butchering trade from falling into tho hands of the monopolist, for these are tho two and only the two things you have to do. You wealthy farmers have a big concern to undertake the day you take tho present position of the present auctioneering firms on voui shoulders, even at their present charges, and prevent a monopoly of the butchering trade in Auckland. There « much that can bo done, I admit, but solve the above two questions and you will become the greatest benefactors the poorer classes have ever seen: until then your labours are in vain. am, etc., __ A Farmer Who Has Been Helped.