SALEYARDS ON THE EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14133, 9 August 1919, Page 7

SALEYARDS ON THE EAST

OLD CONTROVERSY REVIVED. There was a further echo for saleyards for both sides of the r.iver and the alternative of a bridge at No. 1 through a communication which came before yesterday's meeting of the Waikato Sub-provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. The Matangi branch of the Farmers* Union asked the executive's.sunport to the erection of saleyards on the east side of Hamilton.

Mr Lye said that stock-owners on the eastern side wished to avoid having to cross the present bridge. He was quite prepared to advocate the construction of another bridge. The proposed yards at Claudelands would be Just as large as the Frankton yards, and sales could be held on alternate, -weeks.

Mr Duxfield said that an additional bridge would get over the whole difficulty. He was strongly in favour of .one large saleyard, which would attract a larger attendance of buyers than several smaller yards. The erection of yards at Claudelands would cost half the price of the bridge, and the latter was much the better solution of the problem. He recognised the very congested state of the present bridge and the serious matter it was for farmer's to get their stock across. Mr Lye said that it would save a day to farmers on that side by having yards at Claudelands, instead of having to drive to Frankton. Mr Seavill said that whether it was the buyer or the seller who had to do it, fat stock had eventually to come to this side of the river to get to the abattoirs.

Mr Jull realised that the people on the east side had a very real grievance, .and the marvel to him was that they had stood it so long. However, lie would be sorry to see two saley.irds in Hamilton. Even if the stock had to be driven a little further to one central yard it would pay in the enhanced price through the aggregation of buyers. Nothing was'more urgently needed in Hamilton than a new bridge. A bridge •at No. 1 would give practically a direct stock route through to Frankton from across the river, and vice-versa. 'The town would be missed and the route would be a direct one. The Hamilton Borough Council and the Waikato and Waipa Counties would all be sharing the burden of the new bridge, which was an absolute necessity.

Mr Livingstone thought that llio ■communication should be receiver! ami pressure brought to bear on the lor." I authorities to get the bridge erected.

Mr Thomas said that he was in favour of central saleyards, and also smiported the new bridge, if they could a-et it constructed within a reasonable time, say within two years. If Hie bridge was constructed at No. 1 it -would be nearer, if anything, to Frankton than the present route from across the river. Failing the early construction of the bridge, yards would have lo be. erected on the eastern side of fho river to meet the stock needs there. After further brief discussion, it was resolvpd to write to the Hamilton Hor<ough Council asking that body lo convene a public meeting to consider the matter of a bridge at No. 1. Mr Jull promised to the matter at the next meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, with the object of that body also approaching Hie Bomugh Council on the subject. The meeting by six votes to three resolved against supporting the Ma•fangi branch's request for yards al Claudelands.