WASHDYKE SALEYARDS COMPANY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3259, 7 March 1885, Page 3

WASHDYKE SALEYARDS COMPANY.

OPENING 0~8 THE NEW YABDB. The new and extensive yards just erected by the Washdyke Saleyards Company, were opened and used for the first time yesterday. They are situated on a six aero plot about half a mile beyond the township. The yards themselves occupy about two acres, and are capable of holding about 8000 sheep, 600 head of cattle, and 300 pigs, while the paddocking accommodation will be equal to another 8000 sheep. They are situated on the flat near the ■ southern corner of the ground, have been well and strongly built and arranged so as to afford every facility for the drafting of stock without delay and without inconvenience to buyers or sellers. A refreshment room has been erected on the ground and m it yesterday a capital spread, free of charge, was provided by the Company. Stables will be erected almost immediately, whilst a sheep dip 45ft long by sft 6in m depth is on the eve of completion, and the Company will provide tho dip. The want of really good yards m a central position m South Canterbury has long been felt, and now that we have two at the Washdyke vendors and buyers from all parts of the Island will know where to dispose and purchase stock. It is a source for sincere regret that there should be two yards, and it is to be sincerely hoped that some understanding may' yet be come to by which there may be no conflict of sales. Tbe site chosen by the Saleyards Company m an excellent one, being at the junction of the Point, Main North, Main South and Seadown Roads while water and pasture are plentiful. It is also within easy reach of the railway station, and people will find no difficulty m truokihg stock. We look forward with confidence to seeing the sales at the Washdyke ere long rivalling those at Addington, Burnside and elsewhere. Great interest was evinped m yesterday's sales, the attendance being large, — fully 300 people being present — and as a rulo bidding was fairly spirited. The whole concern so far has cost about £1200, and the shareholders promise to bo well repaid for thoir outlay. The auctioneers yesterday were Messrs Miles, Archer and Co. (by Mr Ford), the N.Z.L. and M.A. Company (by Mr Guinness), Mr K. F. Gray and Mr J. Mundcll, all of whom had their hands full. The entries comprised 5442 sheep, 205 head of cattle and 47 pigs, all the stock being m capital condition. Before the sales were opened, Mr W. Moody made a short speech, referring to the history of the Company. He explained its objects were to have public and central saleyards for the whole of South Canterbury, so as to attract buyers from a distance. Such yards had been long wanted, as it was highly necessary all concerned m stock dealing should know where to come to find out prices. Ho was sure the yards would prove a boon to tho district. The various auctioneers present also briefly referred to the benefits South Canterbury would derive from the establishment of central saleyords; The following is the scale of charges decided on by the Company — s. d. Sheep, per score on day of sale, including yarding the night before 0 6 Sheep, per 100 per 24 hours, yarding, paddocking or drafting ... ... 1 0 Bams, per day and night, yarding or paddocking ... ... ,: ... 0 2 Pigs, per day and night, yarding or | paddocking ... ... ■;..,, 0 2 Cattle, per day and night, yarding or . paddocking ... „, ... 0 6 Horaes, per day and night, yarding or: paddocking , 2 0 Sheep belonging to the same owner will be charged at the rate ofos per 1000 over the first 1000 for sale, paddocking or drafting. : For dipping sheep (exclusive of cost of material): — For the first 500, one penny each ; for the secondJSOO, one half -penny each ; for the second 1000, one farthing each ; for lots over 2000, specif arrangements will be made. . ' ; All iorses brought inßidq .the enclosure must be placed m charge of the caretaker, the charge for whioh is 6d each; feed 6d .extra. . '