THIS MECHANICAL AGE!

Putaruru Press, Volume XXVII, Issue 1393, 14 September 1950, Page 8

THIS MECHANICAL AGE!

DECREASED DEMAND FOR DRAUGHT HORSES AT WAIKATO FAIR The decreasing demand for utility draught horses which has been noticeable in the Waikato for several years, was more marked than ever at the annual spring horse fair which opened at Cambridge last week. There can be little doubt that the mechanised age is coming into its own, states the Waikato Independent. For many years Cambridge has held one of the biggest horse fairs in New Zealand. -Upwards of 1000 draught horses have changed hands at the sale, which has lasted a full week and more. This year the total offering of 40 unbroken and 105 draughts were all sold in the one day. ' The demand for unbrokens was poor and the top price was £l2 10s. 'fhe entry of draughts sold at higher prices than was expected. Reliable farm sorts met with a ready sale, and anything above the average was keenly sought. Interest was taken in the consignment of 18 draughts brought north by Mr J. T. Wright, of Kaiapoi. A total clearance was made at some of the best prices of the sale. Top figure was £3O paid for a nine-year bay gelding. Also from the southern consignment Mr C. Bruce, of Taotaoroa, paid £25 for a seven-year mare; Mr A. S. Powell, Cambridge, paid £2B for a seven-year roan mare; and Mr M. M. Duncan, of Bruntwood, paid £2l and £25 for two geldings. Other good sales were: Mr W. F. Duncan, Pukeroro, six-year bay mare to Mr E. A. Waugh, Taotaoroa, £27 10s; Mr E. Speake, Putaruru, five-year roan mare to Mr C. Morgan, Matamata, £25 10s; Mr J. Reid, Roto-o-rangi, nine-year bay gelding to Mr R. G. Kidd, Te Miro, £2O. In contrast to the draughts, there was a record entry of hacks and ponies.