Commission on on Horse Sales. TO THE EDITOR

Otago Witness, Issue 2579, 19 August 1903, Page 10

Commission on on Horse Sales. TO THE EDITOR

Sin, — In this day's issue of the Otago Daily Times I sso a report of a meeting of the East Taieri Branch of the Farmers' Union, fiom wliich. I learn they have had some discu-ision on the high rate* of commission charged on the sale of hoises — • viz., 5 per cent. , Now, Sir, why farmers oncl breeders have so long put up with this exorbitant charge I am at a loss to know. All other classes of stock are sold at 2^ per cent., and I have never heard of any reason why the commission on horse sales should be doublo that of sheen or cattle. Sutdy some little effort on the rmrt of the Farmers' Union, would soon remedy this, for should no horses be sold pi auction or by tho agents, buyea-s would soon find our sellers' stocks and do the purchasing for themselves. Let farmers and" breeders try the experiment, .and nay, say, £ per cent, in the shape of advertising their stock when they havo any for sale, and not only would they save the commission, but often railage. as_ horses n/o many a tims railed from a district and sold and railed hack again near to where they were reared. I see by the above report that tJi© union took no definite action in the matter. I trust when they communicate with other unions with a view to havimg an organising secretary and lecturer this matter of commission on horss sales will a'so be urged on their notice, and soon remedied. Trusting that this mpy, in any case, he remedied by farmers, and that they will not longer nut uyi with what I cannot term other bhan a gross imposition, — I am, etc.. Colonial.

Dr M'Arthur, S.M., of Wellington, was the recipient of the following letter on the subject of boy thieves: — "Sir, — In 1895 I was convicted of theft at Wellington and! sentenced to be imprisoned until the rising of the court and to receive six strokes with a birch rod and tho promise ot a double allowance every timo I appeared in court. Sir, that war? a le:.ton I never forgot, and since then I have believed that honesty is the best policy."