Three He Stands Alone, His Voice Unheard 1889

CHAPTER THREE

He Stands Alone, His Voice Unheard

As the 1880s came to a close farmers became disenchanted with spiralling costs, lack of control in their own industry, and considerably lower returns for sale of livestock. The combination of these difficulties and the fact they had no remedy with the industry in the hands of proprietary companies prompted considerable discussion; they took the bull by the horns. The Egmont A & P Association had already found a new home, on the east side of Waihi Road, Hawera. ‘By an agreement dated 7 November 1888, Mr John Brown arranged to sell his property to Messrs W. E. Dive, J. R. Lysaght, Moore Hunter and James Davidson’, with an undertaking it was to be sold at the original price to the Egmont A & P Association as the site for Hawera showgrounds.

Egmont A & P Association 1909. Back row from left: Sir R. H. Nolan, S. Norton (secretary, Wanganui A & P), F. W. Wilkie, O. J. Hawken, W. D. Powdrell, W. O. Williams, E. N. Chettle, W. O. O’Callaghan, C. A. Budge, E. Nalder, W. A. Duckworth, A. Goodson, A. S. Tonks, J. Campion (judge). Middle row from left: A. T. Wills, C. Wilson, J. O’Sullivan, G. H. Wilson (judge), H. G. Gibson, J. C. Hobbs. Front row from left: W. Christoffel, A Winks (vice president), W. Robertson, L. R. Hamilton, A. Hunter (president), M. Donovan (judge), A. Good, F. J. Treweek (secretary), F. Morrissey (assistant secretary).

COURTESY OF EGMONT A & P ASSOCIATION

This undertaking became a fact when an agreement was executed by which the land was sold to Messrs Hunter, Dive, Davidson, J. Mason, F. Riddiford, W. Wilson, J. Livingston and A. W. Budge as trustees for the Association. By 1889 the Association had found its feet, with many prominent farmer members now joining the ranks. It had quickly become one of the most influential farming organisations in the district and was now ready to lead the charge in a new and exciting commercial battle. This was a momentous occasion and probably the first time South Taranaki farmers had stood united in support of an idea and principle they passionately believed in. On 28 February 1889 a prospectus was issued ‘for the purpose of forming a company in the interests of the farmers in the district, to be called ‘The Egmont Farmers’ Union Limited’.

In the Egmont Star in February 1889, ‘A FARMER’S VOICE’ to the Editor, said: Sir, I see by the advertisement calling the next general meeting of the Egmont A & P Association, a resolution will be tabled which will deal with the question that is of the greatest importance to the farming community. I refer to the unsatisfactory mode of dealing with stock through present medium between buyers and sellers, and the high charges in consideration of the service rendered by such medium. Farmers have the name of being patient and long suffering, and I must say that in this matter they have been true to that character. Unity we all know means strength. We see examples of this in our every day walk through life. The mechanic, the labourer, and pretty well all classes of society (but the farmers) have their unions and combinations for the purpose of watching and protecting their own interests, but farmers on our coast have no unity, and allow themselves to be the milch cows, and pretty well they get milked of their money. If they would be true to themselves and their interests and pull together their financial position would be better. The workman in all cases is worthy of his hire, but sir, I would ask you, are not the present charges for selling farm produce far too high for the services rendered? In many cases the charges for disposing of the commodity are more than the profit of the man that kept the stock for months. Agents say they have to charge high commissions because a good deal of the business is done on the credit system. If this is so, then it is palpable to all that the man that deals for cash is being bled for the credit man. This is not, in my opinion, equity, and I say it is the duty in all interested in the raising of stock to join and by so doing bring about a more equitable system, and how can this be accomplished? The A & P Association are moving in the matter, members should be added, and then form themselves into a farmers’ union, sell their own produce through their own medium, on strictly a cash basis and by so doing I feel sure they will put money in their purses. Our A & P Association is a most useful institution, but only deals with the annual show. If it were to extend its functions in the direction above indicated its usefulness would be much enhanced and soon would be raised to a flourishing position, because farmers would then join and support it that do not at present. I hope and trust the meeting on the 23rd will be well attended. – I am, &c. Unity. Response was immediate and extremely encouraging, with hundreds of farmers promising to support the proposal. Correspondence promoting the initiative continued in the press: A & P ASSOCIATION. The Editor of the Star. Sir, I am in accord with ‘Unity’ that the time has arrived for the A & P Association to do more than hold an annual show, and they could not further the interest of the members and the struggling settlers of

The Egmont Farmers’ Union Ltd. First General Meeting advertisement.

COURTESY OF SOUTH TARANAKI STAR

the district better than by undertaking the management of the disposal of land, stock, &c. To my mind ‘Unity’ has not pointed out clearly the method that the A & P Association should adopt. As I am, as it were, but a drop in the ocean, might I suggest that the members of the association should carefully consider the resolution to be brought forward at the coming meeting. Not knowing the contents, I would suggest that quarterly sales or rather fairs should be held, and up to a certain hour on the day of the fair, owners should be allowed to sell their stock privately. The unsold portion could be offered by auction. I need not point out to you that it was by this system that the majority of we old English farmers used to dispose of our stock and produce before we reached these shores. The holding of quarterly fairs would no doubt produce a great number of entries and would induce both buyers and sellers to come from a long distance, and this method would also save considerable time, besides the injury to our stock, to say nothing of the commissions we have to pay. If the holding of a fair is adopted, of course it would be necessary to raise funds for expenses, therefore an entrance fee would be required – say 2d per head on cattle and horses and ½d on sheep or sufficient fee to cover the cost of advertising, deterioration of yards, rent and interest of money invested. Probably one of our local auctioneers would sell at a small percentage, say one per cent, and if he would not the society could take out a license for some person to sell them when required, because I am sure one per cent commission would secure a good salesman. The society should also have an office, where persons wishing to sell or lease land, &c., could register the same for disposal, a small fee would also have to be charged, and a small commission if business was transacted. One great advantage of an office of this kind would be that persons wishing to purchase or lease a property, instead of going to a dozen different offices or looking over some scores of papers, would learn what properties in the district were for selection. Feeling sure that if our good old English system was one established in the district, it would prove a benefit to all agriculturalists. I am &c., Smithfield Almost immediately the ranks of the Egmont A & P Association swelled with great expectations of success. The following month, on 9 March 1889, a prospectus appeared in the local newspaper:

PROSPECTUS of the EGMONT FARMERS’ UNION (Limited) To be registered under ‘The Companies Act 1882’ CAPITAL £1500 in 500 shares of £5 EACH On the following terms of payment viz.: 10s on application, 10s on allotment and calls not exceeding 10s per share at intervals of which one month’s notice will be given. PROVISIONAL DIRECTORS Mr J. L. Perry, Manaia Mr J. Lambie, Pihama Mr Isaac Bayly, Hawera Mr Thos. Scott, Manaia Mr Moore Hunter, Hawera Mr Wm. Rowe, Normanby Mr John Robertson, Hawera Mr W. E. Dive, Hawera Mr Geo. McLean, Hawera Mr F. Riddiford, Hawera Mr G. Inkster, Normanby Mr T. C. McCracken, Manaia Mr T. Parsons, Otakeho Mr A. Sutherland, Manaia Mr W. V. Pearce, Pihama Mr R. B. Hamilton, Manutahi Mr S. Forsyth, Pihama BANKERS: BANK OF NEW ZEALAND

SECRETARY: (pro tem) Mr T. C. McCracken

The company is formed in the interest of Farmers for the purpose of seeking markets for farm stock and produce and its disposal, to hold periodical sales by auction in various centres in this provincial district, engaging the services of a competent manager to act as salesman, to keep a register of land, stock or produce open for sale, and to dispose of the same either privately or by auction as the vendor may desire, and in every way to facilitate its disposal, and to act in the interest of those entrusting their business to the Union.

The Union propose to acquire a site at Hawera forthwith for the reception and sale of stock, and will extend their business premises, from time to time, when the support given warrants them doing so, but the Union will be prepared to hold sales in any part of the Taranaki Provincial district at the shortest notice, and at Union rates, if a fair quantity of stock or produce can be got together at any given centre for that purpose.

The promoters are satisfied that the commission on sales by auction may not exceed 1½ per cent to shareholders and 2 per cent to non-shareholders and propose to fix the charges at these rates. They also propose to keep a register at the office of the Union, where farmers can (for a small fee) enter what they have for sale, and where to be seen, and the Secretary will give every information (supplied him) to applicants, and on a sale being affected, a small commission will be charged.

The Union propose that all their sales shall be on a cash basis, or to act as a medium to arrange terms between vendors and purchaser, but in no case will the Union finance for either party that will entail pecuniary responsibility for the shareholders.

The promoters recognise that the time has arrived for a movement of this sort, as the fall in value of the principal product of this coast viz., livestock, has been so great that a corresponding reduction in the cost of its disposal should be brought about. This they now seek to do and confidently look for general support from the farming community, co-operation and not profit being the sole objective of the Union.

Articles of the Association will be prepared and the Company registered with three-fourths of the shares disposed of. Provision will also be made for the retirement of the Provisional Directors and election to fill the vacancies from time to time by the shareholders.

The number of shares to be held by any one person, the Directors propose to limit to ten, and each shareholder to one vote only at any meeting of the Union and every poll that may take place.

Dated at Hawera this 28th day of February, 1889. FORM OF APPLICATION FOR SHARES

To the Secretary of the Egmont Farmers’ Union. Sir, I hand you herewith the sum of …… , being deposit of 10s per share on …… shares in the above Company, which I request you to allot me on terms of the Company’s Prospectus dated 28th February 1889, and I agree to accept the same or any less number allotted me, and pay the balance as set forth, and I authorise you to register my name as a holder of the said shares and I further agree to sign the Memorandum and Articles of the Association when called upon so to do, and to be bound by the Rules and Regulations of the Company.

Name in full …….

Address ………....

Occupation………

Signature ………..

Dated at ……, this …… day of ……, 1889

Brimming with the satisfaction of knowing they were on the verge of success, a large attendance greeted the executive at a meeting of the Egmont Agricultural & Pastoral Association on Thursday 29 August 1889. Indeed, excitement and expectation abounded as the farmers filed into the Hawera Borough Chambers. Present were: Messrs Dive, Wilson, Babbage, Clemoe, Pilcher, Hunter, Hicks, Ward, Mitchell, Innes, Davidson, Winks, Sutton, R. Dingle, C. McCracken, Yorke, Geo. McLean,

Egmont Agricultural & Pastoral Association Hawera Show day, date unknown.

COURTESY OF MRS GULLIVER AND EGMONT A & P ASSOCIATION

Caverhill, Livingston, W. Rowe, Jesse Barrow, Duckworth, Budge, Riddiford, Robertson, Stott, Shove, Scott, Foreman, Wilkie, Innes and Hastie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr Livingston proposed the following new members: R. B. Hamilton, D. Wilkie, H. Downie, Roskruge, Bryson, G. Glenn, G. Inkster, A. Johnston, C. Parrington, G. Symes, W. Shearer, D. McLean, E. Antrobus, W. A. McCutchen, C. Goodson, D. Buchanan, D. W. Irvine, F. McQuire, H. T. Turner and W. Chubbin. The mood of the meeting was confident and the list was received with cheers from the floor. The President expressed his pleasure ‘that such an addition to their numbers was a very healthy sign’, and the new members were duly elected. Many influential players in the rural community had been brought together and this would have a profound effect as the years progressed.

A public meeting of shareholders of the Egmont Farmers’ Union Limited was held on the same day as the Egmont A & P Association to receive a report from the Provisional Directorate prior to registration of the new company. There were about 40 shareholders present and Mr Dive was voted to the chair. He regarded ‘the meeting as a most important one, as the success of the Union henceforth would almost entirely depend on the conduct of the business by the first directors’. The Articles of the company had been drafted and revised by Mr Barton (solicitor) with a few minor amendments. The secretary read the following report: Gentlemen, On 28 February last a prospectus was issued for the purpose of forming a company in the

interests of the farmers in the district, to be called ‘The Egmont Farmers’ Union Limited’, and we are pleased to report that 247 persons have applied for 352 shares in the company.

This moment in history was to have a lasting influence on the future. Satisfaction was openly displayed by those present as Mr Dive carefully and deliberately addressed the meeting and spoke of plans for the proposed company. This long-awaited development would have a significant impact on farmers’ income and also provide them with control of their own stock industry. The Memorandum and Articles of Association had been drafted and submitted for consideration. Stockyards at Manaia, Manutahi and Hawera had been inspected and discussions had been held with two existing stock and station companies, Nolan Tonks and Co. and Messrs Budge and Good, to see if advantageous arrangements could be made to use their yards. Mr Dive went on to say: The provisional directors, since the issue of the prospectus, have held many meetings and spent considerable time in the interests of their brother farmers, with the object of accomplishing the formation of this society, as they recognise the unity among them, and if the members are true to themselves, the advantages of co-operation and the benefits must accrue, we are satisfied, are innumerable.

A board of directors of not less than five and no more than nine was required. The provisional directors suggested that following election of the board immediate steps be taken to invite applications for the position of manager and secretary of the Union and to secure suitable sites and yards and consider the appointment of agents. Mr Dive spoke of offers made by one of their members to erect yards on sites they acquired and another to act as secretary/salesman. However, he said, ‘We consider the board elected by you the proper body to deal with these matters, as they will be the managing body of the Union, as provided by your Articles of Association’. Details were discussed concerning the initial expenditure of £40 and the terms set out by the auctioneers offering the use of saleyards already in operation or whether to build separate yards of their own. Members debated the issue whether they would prefer to have separate yards or not: Mr Bayly moved that, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable to accept the offer of £133 for the erection of yards for the association. It would be cheaper and better, he thought for the society to be independent in this matter, and he made the motion with a view to testing the meeting. Mr T. Parsons thought that such yards as those would be only about one-fourth of the size required. Sheep yards would be needed, and would require metalling. Mr Riddiford understood that the smaller yards could be put up very much more cheaply than the cattle yards. £50 would erect good sheep pens. Mr Fantham thought it would be very much better for the Union to have yards of their own. He would therefore second the motion.

Mr Dive then said an offer of a very good site of about two acres opposite the school had been made at a cost of £6 per annum with a lease of 20 years. Offers of other yards were also discussed. However, Mr John Brown who owned a substantial land holding on the north-west outskirts of Hawera township provided a solution, by offering a lease of four acres to Egmont Farmers’ Union Limited. These yards became known to the locals as the ‘Union yards’ or ‘Fantham’s yards’ and were constructed on land situated on the south side of Glover Road. They would remain the main Hawera saleyards for more than a century.

George McLean stood to support the motion, explaining that he had early reservations about joining the Union. He maintained too much had been made of the auction business and from correspondence he had seen there appeared to be ‘an attempt to ruin the auctioneers doing business in the district’ and that ‘what the Union desired was to protect their own interests and not ruin any man. They wanted to secure fair prices for their produce and to place the products of the land, the

food for the people, in the hands of the consumers at the least possible cost.’

He indicated that if the auctioneers stood in the way of the movement ‘they might have to be swept away like other parasites’. Mr McLean’s vision and rhetorical prowess would prove to be most persuasive and the meeting hung on every word he uttered. Mention was made of a recent paragraph in the Egmont Star which likened the Union ‘to a stook of three sheafs of corn, of which the farmers were the heads of the grain. When they all laid their heads together they could stand a good breeze of wind’.

He was assertive and spoke with passion: If the Union was not a success it would be because the farmers failed to give it cordial support. At present the farmer first kept a cow for nine months and then if he was fortunate enough to get a calf he kept that for three or four years. The bullock was killed, and the farmer had to pay freight, in addition to freight he had to pay primage. No one knew what primage was for, or who got it. The 8lbs was struck off each 300lbs of frozen meat in London as a trade allowance. That was not only a loss of 8lbs, but the farmer actually paid freight, freezing, insurance on those 8lbs of which he was also defrauded; why? – because he stands alone and his voice is not heard. The meat went into the hands of the retail butcher who worked with it perhaps two days and got more for that two days work than the grower got for four years work.

There was spontaneous and long applause, then he ended by saying: ‘If the farmers are true to themselves, they will give the Union hearty support.’

For the record, ‘primage’ is a word of ancient origins used by seafaring people, not those of the land, and comprised a duty payable to the master and mariner of a ship, for the use of cables and ropes to discharge the goods of the merchant. It was sometimes called ‘master’s hat money’.

Others rose to their feet to express various points of view. Mr Parsons asked: ‘is it true that the Union proposed to start on the 1½ per cent basis. If so the Union would suffer loss during the first year or two, which would be bad business’. Mr Inkster said, ‘in Scotland the charge was only one per cent’ and Mr McLean continued with the comment that, ‘the whole charge would amount to about two per cent’. He continued to explain that one firm in Hawera undertaking the same work ‘was doing salesman’s business at two per cent’ and it was known that one member of the firm expected £600 a year for his services, so he supposed that the three members of the firm expected to make £1,800 a year at two per cent, whereas the Union did not desire to make any profit. The chairman Mr Dive agreed that the business should be conducted in such a way that there was a small profit to cover contingencies and form a reserve fund, but it would be for the directors to take care that was done. If 1½ per cent was too little it must be raised. Mr Parsons went on to say that ‘he understood that shares had been canvassed for on the 1½ per cent basis, and he thought it too low. If the Union meant to charge more than 1½ per cent, they should state it.’ The discussion continued concerning the percentage to be charged, but were only showing caution with a view to guard against loss in the first year or so. Mr Riddiford, in reply, said: ‘It was stated that 252 shares out of 275 had been taken up. A canvass was made, the number taken up was increased to 264.’

The election of directors then proceeded with the following members duly elected to the board: Messrs: Dive, E. Macrae, M. Hunter, F. Riddiford, Bryson, G. McLean, R. B. Hamilton, G. Glenn, J. L. Perry.

Messrs Bayly, Fantham, Parsons and Inkster were proposed but declined or withdrew to save a ballot. A vote of thanks was passed to the secretary and the provisional directors for work done and the trouble taken floating the company. This then was the beginning of a honeymoon period when farmers in the districts of South and Central Taranaki took destiny into their own hands. Planning personnel for the new venture was going to be critical to success so the appointment of Arthur Fantham as auctioneer/manager was no surprise. A public profile, his extensive knowledge of stock, general farming and Agricultural & Pastoral Associations affiliations combined with determination, a quick wit and genial personality made him the obvious choice. He was made

Arthur A. Fantham’s family in the 1890s, including birthdays. Standing from left: Violet May (May) 15-04-1880, Arthur Albert (Bert) 29-12-1870, Lucy Mildred Eliza (Lucy) 06-08-1873, Mary Ellinor (Ella) 19-02-1872. Seated from left: Richard Audus Gwynn (Dick) 16-10-1881, Francis Louisa (Fanny) 27-09-1866, Arthur Albert (father) 20-05-1842, Mary (mother) 10-04-1842, Emily Constance (Emily) 21-06-1868. Inserts and on floor: David Edward (Ted) 05-08-1876, Fredric Charles (Fred) 29-09-1874, Walter George (Walter) 25-04-1878, Joseph Henry (Harry) 14-08-1869.

PHOTOGRAPHER SQUIRE, HAWERA N.Z. COURTESY OF G. N. NEIL FANTHAM

for the job and although there is nothing to back up or confirm the possibility, it is highly likely that Arthur Fantham played a major role in promoting the idea and orchestrated the whole affair through his influential friends. There is no doubt he was the guiding light and key figure in the company throughout the next 15 years and became indispensable.

The second annual meeting of the Egmont Farmers’ Union Limited was held at the Union Street office in Hawera, on Saturday 21 November 1891, with a large number of members present. Mr W. E. Dive, chairman of directors, congratulated members on the last year’s performance, its chief feature being the very large expansion of business done during the past 12 months, which looks likely not only to be a continuous but an increasing one. The total sum passed through our books this year amount to about £130,000, as compared with £40,665 for the corresponding period of last year, thus showing an increase of business to the extent of about £80,400 for the past 12 months.

An increase in capital by the issue of 1,000 new shares at a meeting of shareholders, held on Saturday 4 April, was duly carried. Mr Dive stated that: our register now shows that 496 shares have been issued to 357 shareholders, but out of the new issue 32 shares are guaranteed to be taken up by settlers in the Okaiawa district in consideration of your directors building sale yards there on a site offered by Mr Shearer, the money thus gained by the issue of these shares going to pay the expense of building the yards.

At the time the Stratford saleyards were almost complete and ready for use. ‘Broken stone’ had been purchased to metal the yards before opening. It was considered that many Stratford residents were waiting for the erection of the yards before taking shares in the Egmont Farmers’ Union. During the year both the Hawera and Manaia cattle yards had been ‘pitched with stone, and this improvement has caused the greatest satisfaction to everyone doing business therein’. The chairman presented further information on the year’s activities and trading: On the 3rd of October last your chairman accepted an invitation from the Provisional Directors of the Moa Farmers’ Union Limited, to attend a public meeting at Inglewood, called for the purpose of electing directors and officers for the newly-formed company. This Union is now fairly started, and promises to be of great assistance and benefit to the settlers in that district. It has affiliated with our Union, and your directors have undertaken to conduct their auction sales for them, they providing the necessary yard accommodation for stock. Your directors have suggested some alterations in the terms under which your manager is engaged, coupled with a proposal to further reduce the scale of charges, and which, in the opinion of the committee appointed to enquire into the matter, if carried out, will simplify and improve the management. The negotiations, however, not being sufficiently advanced for the directors to report thereon, they leave the matter in the hands of their successors to be carried out if deemed desirable. Your directors think that our prospects warrant a sum being voted as directors’ fees, to be paid them annually, and to be divided by them at the end of the year as they may think fit. …

Arthur Fantham’s popularity and success was very evident when following a sale ‘comprising a large attendance of settlers at the Glover Road saleyards at Hawera on Wednesday 10 August 1892, Mr Gideon Inkster addressed the whole assembly on behalf of the shareholders of Egmont Farmers’ Union Limited’, to acknowledge Mr Fantham, and said: Gentlemen, I consider it one of the most pleasant duties I have had to perform for some time past to present our manager, Mr Fantham, with some slight token in recognition of his services as manager of the Farmers’ Union. Although this token is but of small value, yet, nevertheless, brave and honourable men have always valued tokens of this sort as of far more value than fifty times the value in gold. But what has the Union done for the farmers from the time it started? Well, is it not a fact that we were paying horn 3½ to 6 per cent for selling our cattle? And, when an attempt was made to start this Union, was it not almost impossible to get a suitable man as Manager? And was it not at this critical moment that Mr Fantham came forward and left the management of his own farm to strangers, to allow him to take the management of the Farmers’ Union. You all know what the result has been. Has not the commission been reduced from 3½ and 6 per cent, to 1½ and 2 per cent, and further reductions made on almost everything that farmers required? Who can estimate the enormous amount of good that the Union can do? What I would now suggest to the farmers throughout Taranaki district is to unite and send home their own agent to look after their own interests, not only in the matter of selling our beef, mutton, and butter, but also to try and raise money at low rates of interest for farmers. I find in the province of Taranaki that there has been borrowed by way of mortgages by the people no less a sum than £660,450 and I believe that the average rate of interest is not less than 7 per cent. Now, I feel certain that if we had our own agents in England, this money could be raised at Home at 5 per cent from time to time as might be required; and there would be an annual saving to farmers of £18,200, I have much pleasure in presenting Mr Fantham with this medal as a slight recognition of his services as manager of the Egmont Farmers’ Union. Mr Fantham, in responding, said he could not find words to sufficiently express his thanks to Mr Inkster and members for their excellent recognition of his services. He did not think he had done anything to entitle him to such a gift. Had the Union been a failure, he would have worked as hard any Briton worthy to be called a man should do. He had done his best, though he could not see he was entitled to the medal. He could, without hesitation, say that almost every one of the members had endeavoured to make the Union a success and it was working hand in glove with all.

Although he was probably unaware at the time, Mr Inkster’s address encapsulated the basic principle and practice that would in later years be embraced by the co-operative that would emerge as Taranaki’s leading rural trading enterprise. Fortunately the Egmont Farmers’ Union had one of Taranaki’s most competent and outstanding citizens to take it forward into the next century. His personality and entrepreneurial flair would have a profound and lasting influence on the stock and station industry in Taranaki as a whole.

As the turn of events will reveal, ‘there was no show without punch’. Further elaboration on the Egmont Farmers’ Union stock and station agency under the management of Arthur A. Fantham would not greatly progress this history, except to say that it was a highly successful company, establishing cattle yards on the south side of Glover Road at Hawera with sheep yards and a dip on the opposite side of the road. Trading continued from a small head office on Union Street, in the vicinity of what is now the Hawera Town Square, with what appeared the majority of the market share alongside a number of existing partnerships and proprietary companies, like Steuart and Corrigan, Budge and Good, Freeman R. Jackson, Nolan and Tonks & Co., New Zealand Loan and Mercantile, Newton King Ltd and others who came into the district from time to time. Good relations were maintained between directors of opposing stock companies, who often sat on the same committees, boards of local enterprises and organisations. The farming industry in Taranaki was starting to show signs of maturity with a variety of supporting organisations and associations entering the scene. Stock numbers were increasing and so was the infrastructure to support them.

Moore Hunter, a provisional director of the Egmont Farmers’ Union Limited passed away at his residence on 3 February 1897. It was generally known he had been in poor health, having complications from an attack of pleurisy. Moore Hunter, a colonist, was born in the village of Braidwood, Lanarkshire, but at an early age the sturdy independence which he showed in later years began to develop, and he immigrated to Canada. In time the more genial climate encouraged him to settle in New Zealand.

In fact Moore Hunter served as a Trooper with the Kai Iwi Cavalry Volunteers at Wanganui, Nukomaru and Weraroa during 1868–1869, later farming at Waitotara. When this farm was sold he came to South Taranaki in 1873. At the time Hawera was being resettled after the Titokowaru war. A large slice of land running southward and westward of the present town site had been surveyed as railway reserve, and the Government sold it. Mr Hunter, among others, was a purchaser at the sale, acquiring sections forming the nucleus of the then fine estate at Burnside, where he made his home and reared his family. During his long residence in the district Mr Hunter built a reputation as a careful, good farmer, liberal in his ideas of how to treat land and breed stock, the success of which policy was evident in the show rings of the Egmont, Wanganui, Palmerston North and other agricultural & pastoral societies. When he Moore Hunter, provisional died at Burnside his obituary included these words: director of The Egmont For many years fellow settlers were glad to get the benefit of his business shrewdness and experience on local bodies, and he was successively a member of the Patea County Council, Hawera Road Board, and Hawera County Council; while as to the A & P Society he was not only in evidence at show time, but a valued officer from Farmers’ Union Limited, first Hawera County Chairman, and Trooper with the Kai Iwi Cavalry Volunteers 1868–69. COURTESY OF ARTHUR FRYER the inception of the institution. All movements which he considered for the solid advantage of prosperity of the district he supported and was ready to help both with purse and work. Of the Presbyterian Church he was a consistent member and a great helper; none knew his worth and his liberality better perhaps than those associated with him at Communion; and all the bodies which sought to promote the social and moral well being of the people were ever sure

Nolan, Tonks & Co’s, Hawera Sheep Fair comprising 35,000 sheep, 18 February 1898. The largest sale of Lincoln and Lincoln cross ewes to be held in the Taranaki/Manawatu region.

PHOTOGRAPHERS BERRY & MCALLISTER

of help from him. Privately there was no man whom one would be less disposed to approach had he a weak case; or more ready, if he had a case really deserving of help.

Mr Hunter had the power and courage of discrimination. As to national politics, he never sought any public office, but his interest was keen and feelings strong. Mr Hunter left a widow and family of eight (and several brothers and other relatives), and a district that would keenly feel the loss of this stoic colonialist. His son Alex would also prove to be a champion of the Taranaki farming industry.

Commerce thrived as livestock numbers grew and Arthur Fryer, Hawera historian, provided an interesting account of reputedly one of the largest sheep fairs held on this side of the North Island. The location was the old saleyards situated at the end of Caledonia Street, Hawera. It was a significant occasion because it happened prior to the turn of the twentieth century and will probably never happen again: It was a wet February day and the rain barely ceased. There were 35,000 sheep in the sale yard pens, a lot of interested buyers in oilskins, anxious vendors and an auctioneer and his clerks eager to complete selling the biggest yarding of sheep on the North Island west coast. When the photographers Berry and McAllister set up their camera to record the scene there was no sunshine to light their picture. Instead there was a leaden sky and six acres of pens of patient rain-soaked sheep. Robert Nolan and Arthur Tonks were two brothers-in-law from Auckland who set up an auctioneering firm in Hawera in 1880 and within fifteen years had the largest business of the several farm and livestock firms in South Taranaki. In particular their sheep fair held in February attracted vendors from well beyond the immediate province. The Sheep Fair of February 18, 1898 was advertised many days ahead in the Hawera Star and dwarfed those of similar fairs advertised to take place in Feilding, Wanganui and Palmerston North. The sheep being yarded were generally a colonial breed originally from the Merinos introduced to

Canterbury and the drier areas of the North Island, Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, but had been crossed with Lincoln sheep with the intention of developing a hardy animal with long strong wool that would do well in wet conditions. In Canterbury this cross was developed to become the Corriedale sheep.

The offerings of mainly ewes and lambs at the Hawera sale included Lincoln ewes but the remainder were largely descendants of the mixed breed sheep that were being crossed with Lincolns to strengthen the Lincoln characteristics of large size and robustness. These sheep were ideal for foraging on the rough farms of the time. Most of the farms around Hawera were large. James Livingston farmed Waipapa that when subdivided for sale in 1901 had 1800 acres, Moore Hunter of Burnside, whose homestead was on Waihi Road farmed much of the land bounded by South Road and Ketemarae Road. Other men had taken substantial leases on which they ran large numbers of sheep. Most of the large farms were sold and subdivided within a few years of the 1898 Sheep Fair so that fairs of this size were soon unknown in Hawera. Keith Newland with a lifetime’s experience in the stock industry says that the largest sale he recalls was a yarding of 15,000 sheep.

The sale of February 1898 was a great success and in spite of the weather good prices were achieved led by the line of 1500 4 and 6 tooth Lincoln ewes from H. G. Gaisford of Napier that made up to seven shillings and sixpence a head. Shorn lambs made from two shillings to three shillings and sixpence. The next day Nolan and Tonks had a Ram Fair in the Horse Bazaar where they sold 450 Lincoln and 50 Romneys, the vendors including well-known local breeders M. J. Goodson, G. V. Pearce, Gus Walkinton, W. C. Symes, the Bremer Brothers and E. Maxwell. Here too the prices were good, the top price of five and a half guineas going to G.T. Bayly.

The impact of either too many stock and station firms or the growing strength of one of their number culminated in December 1903 with Messrs Nolan and Tonks severing connections with the Opunake district. A ‘Complimentary Smoke Social’ was attended by about 35 gentlemen at Middleton’s Hotel, Opunake. Mr M. J. MacReynolds was in the chair and he expressed regret ‘at the determination of Messrs Nolan and Tonks to retire from the district’. Throughout the following 15 years the stock and station industry in South Taranaki worked in relative harmony with the Egmont Farmers’ Union, inspired, driven and managed by Arthur A. Fantham. However, a hint that all was not well in the Fantham household became apparent when on 14 November 1903, an advertisement appeared in the Hawera and Normanby Star to advise the public that Nolan and Tonks auctioneers were selling A. A. Fantham’s pure-bred stock. For a number of years Arthur’s health was seen to deteriorate, and his name as auctioneer was noticeably absent from some sale schedules. He did, however, manage to continue auctioneering at stock sales in a limited capacity.