DISPERSAL OF THE MIDDLE PARK STUD COMPANY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 39, 25 April 1891, Page 3

DISPERSAL OF THE MIDDLE PARK STUD COMPANY.

At the commencement of the year we had to chronicle the dispersal of the Sylvia Park Stud, which for a time was one of the sights of Auckland. No one came here who had any interest in horse flesh that did not go and see that farfamed establishment, where some of the best horses south of the Line had been bred. Through gross mismanagement thousands were squandered, and after all the capital had been called up and all the money borrowed that could be got, it eventually had to be brought under the hammer and finally dispersed, to add another blot to Auckland, where not a single company has ever flourished. The time has now come for us to record the dispersal of the Middle Park Stud at Christchurch. The question naturally arises, How is it that these Stud Companies do not pay ? The question is easily answered. Too much goes out in salaries to the managing director, manager, etc., thus taking away the profits of the shareholders. The Middle Park Stud was not of the same magnitude as Sylvia Park, but from what we can learn quite enough has been lost over it. They had several things to contend with which was not the case in Auckland. First of all, climate and the site chosen was not one suitable for breeding blood stock, being bleak and the ground cold. That it pays to breed blood stock in Auckland is proved by Mr. Morrin's farm at Wellington Park; but then he has no managing director or expensive manager to pay, neither is money thrown away in luxurious buildings. The dispersal of the Middle Park Stud took place last Tuesday. Taking into consideration that many of the mares were very old, and also that St. George, who has proved a failure at the stud, had been extensively used, the sale must be considered a good one. One thing that surprises us is, that though the stock was advertised “to be sold without reserve,” Apremont was bought in and for St. George there was no bid. The Australians were well reptesented by Messrs. Blackwood and Wallace,

while as usual Hawke’s Bay was to the fore with the Hon. J. D. Ormond and Mr. Gollan. To these fell the principal lots. Mr. Philson, presumably for an Auckland gentleman, bought the well-bred young mare Escalade, by Apremont—En Evant, by Lord Lyon—Lady Mary (dam of Gang Forward), by Orlando—Splitvote, for 525 guineas. Mr. Gollan took another nice mare, Fair Nell, by Apremont—ldalia, at 575 guineas. The Hon. J. D. Ormond gave 130 guineas each for Idalia and Rupee. This must be considered their full value, as the former is 21 years and the latter 20 years ; also Martyr, by Daniel O’Rourke-Raupo, 14 years old, for 125 guineas. The Hon. D. S. Wallace purchased two well-bred young mares within their value —Ravenswing, by Apremont Idalia, 475 guineas, and Sierra, by Apremont Ham mock, 205 guineas. The foals realised good prices. The following are the highest figures:—B cby St. George —Rupee, Hon. J. D Ormond, 200 guineas; b c, St. George Fair Nell, Mr. D. o‘Brien, 165 guineas;, br c, St. George—Escalade, Mr. Randall, 170 guineas, and brf, St. George—Ravenswing, Mr. Stead, 115 guineas. The yearlings also fetched more than was expected. Mr. Allan, of Timaru bought thebr cby St. George—Fair Nell, for 550 guineas, which must be considered more than h. 6is worth.. Mr. Rathbone took the b f by St. George —Hammock, for 210 guineas, and Mr. Gollan a blk f by Artillery—Escalade, at 230 guineas. The others averaged about 100 guineas apiece.