FARMERS AND AUCTIONEERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11540, 27 November 1900, Page 7

FARMERS AND AUCTIONEERS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—As I took no part in the discussion ton the auctioneers' question, perhaps you ■will allow me to reply to tho letter which appeared yesterday. In the first place I consider it is a great mistake to bring the matter up in the papers at all, as it was simply a business request by the farmers to the auctioneers to reduce "their fees, as they were far higher than the rest of the colony, find still, with the reductions, are as high Dr higher than the other provinces. It seems a great pity that it should be made a personal matter, but after the answer received by the deputation, what could the farmers do? Either they were to be bounced and give in altogether, or stand out, as the auctioneers would not send representatives to discuss the matter further, and distinctly Stated that their decision was final. It now remains to see whether the farmers will stick together. After all, everyone who considers the mattei must see that the requests are reasonable. The only reductions are practically half per cent, at Remuera, and one per cent, at country saLes, 01 3i per cent, at Remuera, and four pei cent, at country sales, with no yard fees, to be universal over the province. Besides, it was proved that the auctioneers years ago raised the fees with the distinct understanding that they were to be reduced when the trade increased, so that they are only asked to fulfil their own agreement. I think had the writer considered he would not have said only the wealthy farmers were interested. Do the small settlers not send stock? Does the North of Auckland not send stodk? That the auctioneers have helped many a struggling settler was amply proved at our meeting, and that was one reason that our request was Bo reasonable, as there was no wish in any way t injure anyone at all. With regard to the credit given, and which the writer .states saves a monopoly, does not the debtor give security and pay interest on the loan, and could not the money be got, elsewhere if he had to pay cash? Provided he has the security, that iJponly a business transaction. I admire the writer for taking the auctioneers' part after the meeting in over, but it would have been better if he had been there, and then expressed his views instead of r ushing to the papers to ventilate them. Tn conclusion, there is no doubt that if the farmers are compelled to erect their own yards there will bo plently of capital provided and ample financial means for carrying nn the business, as surely the farmers can give as good security as other classes. — am, etc., Arthur G. S. Gi.ass, Organising Secretary New Zealand Novembei 23, 1903. Farmers' Union.