The Farmers' Saleyards Co.'s New Building.

Progress, Volume II, Issue I, 1 November 1906, Page 27

The Farmers' Saleyards Co.'s New Building.

The Farmers' Saleyards Co., Ltd has been floated in Christchurch for the purpose of establishing a large central market which is intended to take the place of the present scattered markets It is proposed to throw the new market open to all auctioneers on somewhat similar lines to the Addington market, and to let space as required by the different salesmen for special sales, etc. The ownership of this market is in the hands

of over 1,400 interested people, both producers and consumers, and such ownership carries with it the right to a voice in fixing rates of commission and entry fees, and is likely to result in the adoption of the best methods of conducting sales of stock, produce, etc. The site is the best in Christchurch for the purpose, and the market building which covers over half an acre, fronts St. Asaph street, with a right-of-way 20 ft. wide to Tuam street, thus being of easy access to the southern and western farmers on their way to the city, whilst the northern farmers reach it easily via Montreal street and while not harassed by tram traffic are within two minutes' walk of the tram on Oxford terrace. Special consideration has been given to the require-

ments of ladies attending the market. There is a splendid supply of water from a well 327 ft. deep flowing 14 ft. above the surface, which will provide a safeguard against fire and will prove of the greatest assistance in keeping the premises thoroughly clean and sanitary. Large stable accommodation will be provided near by for farmers and others. It is calculated the market building will be ready for occupation this month, in time for the extra business created by the Exhibition, and when m full operation should be of great benefit to the citizens, an ornament and improvement to the city, and an asset of continually increasing value and convenience to producers and shareholders.

The building is of brick on a concrete foundation, with damp-course between, and is roofed with iron and glass ; 300 loads of clay were used on the ground floor. It has about 15,000 ft. of floor space, and about s,sooft. of loft space with fanlights in the top span. There are shops and offices in front, facing St. Asaph street, with meeting hall and commercial room above. About 4,400 ft. of the floor space is concreted, and contains movable pens for pigs, etc., while the portion set apart for fruit and produce is clay-dressed with boiling tar and grit. The supporting posts are of jarrah, and the rest of the timber is heart of red pine. The jarrah posts consist of one piece 12 x 6 one way, with two pieces each 6x6 bolted on to each side giving great strength to the uprights. The posts rest on concrete blocks with a damp-course of asphalt between. Other features of the building are the roof drains, which are carried across the beams and along the rafters above the lofts descending to the ground drains alongside the side walls. This idea will have the effect of keeping the intermediate space free from moisture and dampness in wet weather. A feature of the seating accommodation, which will slope up 12 or 14 ft., is that persons can leave the premises while horse sales are in progress, without having to go through the saleyards consequently, they will avoid the danger of being run over The saleyards, by the way, will be fully equipped with stalls, open yards, and loose boxes, and will be the most up-to-date market in New Zealand The structure will also contain commodious lavatories for both sexes. Provision has been made for possible future requirements in the way of extending the accommodation of the markets The directors purpose dividing the revenue — one portion to be applied to payment of dividends on capital, and the other portion to rebates on commissions The promoter and chairman of directors is Mr. J. Brake , architects England Bros , contractors J & R Campbell , contractors for the brick work, Robinson & Sons , signwnters, Martin & Price. The lllustiation on page 26 of the bow-string loof truss was supplied by Messrs. Andersons, Ltd , the makers It has a span of 42 ft., is 12 ft. 6 in high 111 the centre, and weighs about 25 cwt. Mr. Brake was in Wellington on the 18th ulto for the purpose of interviewing the Premier, who promised to perform the opening ceiemony during the first week in Novembei.