Twelve Any Fool Could Start a Thing 1914

CHAPTER TWELVE

Any Fool Could Start a Thing

Back to the beginning. The executive committee met at the company’s registered office on Saturday 18 April 1914. It was the first meeting, following two weeks of trading. The time had arrived when the words of George Buckeridge, ‘Any fool could start a thing but it took clever men and energetic men to make a success of it’, would be proved one way or the other. Directors were now challenged to place their knowledge and experience to the test, with dozens of proposals, alliances, agencies and opportunities coming forward for consideration. There was no strategic business plan to drive the company down a particular path nor any indication as to what the future might hold, yet the decision made now would be critical to creating an infrastructure fitting a lasting, vibrant, all-embracing co-operative trading enterprise. The Farmers’ Co-op seemed to be attempting to be everything to everybody and this would in fact become the nemesis of the company in the following years. However, an era of great expectation was in front of them, with few commercial boundaries in New Zealand fully explored at this time. Proposals received over the first few months were so numerous that an indepth account of each would be a tome in itself and would not help advance this history. However, the following résumé will provide an insight into a sample what was received, accepted and rejected: First logo of Farmers’ Co-op. of A. H. Turnbull regarding grass seed. A.H. Arthur offering property in Hawera for sale. A.H. Moore re a section at Opunake. An appointment was made to canvass Fire Insurance business. Australian hardwood companies approached to provide an agency to supply timber. Blackbourne and Smith. Agency for Little’s sheep dip. Declined. C.L. St. Hill regarding appointment to take Mr Anderson’s place as Stratford Agent. Dalgety & Coy. providing Society rebate of 1% on all shareholders’ wool clips. Drench & Co. Agency. Osmond & Co and D.H. Raits. Agreed. Eltham Co-op Dairy Company wishing to join the Society. Extra assistant required for the produce and correspondence departments. G. F. Hutchinson offering property. G. Griffiths & Co. New Plymouth offering property in New Plymouth for sale. G. W. Frier, Oamaru, enquiring for position. ‘Gillanders’, Union Street, Hawera. Prospect of purchasing his grain and produce business deferred

until a suitable site adjoining the Hawera Railway Station be found to erect a bulk store. Hupp Car. Recommendation that the Society purchase a Hupp Car for demonstration purposes. Inglewood Saleyards. 1 August 1914. To be considered by the full board. J. R. Paterson and C. L. St. Hill applying for positions. Nothing to offer at present. J. K. Silby, Awatuna, offering property for sale. L. A. Nolan & Co. Cement agency. Accepted. L. S. Maxwell & Co., Auckland, offering agency. Mathews Gamlin and Company offering business. Inspected. Mesdames Cowper and Campbell offering property adjoining Railway Station, Hawera. A. McKenzie, for position of agent in Wanganui. Director to interview Mr McKenzie. Mr Anderson appointed as Stratford agent at £200 (having refused at £175). Murray, Roberts & Co., agency of Gillies and Nalder, to continue with Farmers Co-op. Offices at Stratford. Buckeridge, Hunter and Death, power to act. 1 August 1914. P. G. Nops offering T. Drakes Store at Inglewood for sale. Palmer and Gray, Waverley. To act for the Society taking orders for manures &c. Patea Freezing Coy., in reference to them purchasing superphosphate through FCOS. Repairs be made to the Auroa and Manaia yards. Tayler Scrivener & Co.’s Store at Eltham, 1 rd 30 perch. 100 ft frontage, 300 ft depth, 2 storey. Blg 2 shops, stables etc. subject to 11 years lease at £208 per annum, £100 now balance in 12 months.

Blgs insured for £1350 & £250. Price £3500, £500 cash, £1000 shares, £2000 any term. The Mutual Life & Citizens Assurance Company. Agreed. Winter Show Coy. Messrs Goodwin & Hooker re exchanging Section F of the Winter Show Building for a section at the back adjoining the horse yards. Wm Cowern offering property for sale in Hawera. Young & Co., Stratford and Eltham business offered. Declined.

During the early months of 1914 the Honey Producers Association and Beekeepers waited on the Society requesting assistance to acquire storage facilities and finance. Storage was eventually arranged with the Hawera Dairy Company and permission granted to use Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of N. Z. Ltd premises as their registered office. An advance was also approved to buy out Lenxe Bees in the Wairarapa. The alliance with the Honey Producers and Beekeepers was short lived and disappeared from minuted records of the company.

Stock sales; wool; land and buildings; finance; grain and seed; manures including phosphate fertiliser; basic slag; lime; corrugated iron; stock food; animal remedies such as drenches, antiseptic ointment, lick and petroleum jelly; disinfectant; milk and cream cans; shoes and clothing; fencing wire and posts; timber; tyres and benzine; and shipping, with a host of agency arrangements, were retailed out of most branch stores. In fact the Society undertook to transact ‘every class of farmers’ business efficiently and economically’. Farmers’ Co-op accepted appointment as chief agent in South Taranaki for Taranaki Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Association, a locally established fire and general company with its head office at Eltham. Unfortunately certain lines of insurance could not be underwritten by this Mutual Association, so the Society had to arrange an additional agency with Yorkshire Insurance Office which, due to their membership of the Underwriters Association had become somewhat hostile to Mutual Insurance Associations with the result that the relationship with Taranaki Farmers’ Mutual deteriorated and the two parted company in 1918. An agency with Southern Union in 1922 and later with the Royal Exchange played a vital role in establishing the Royal Exchange within the province. Throughout the 20th century, despite a number of amalgamations and name changes, there has been a long partnership between the Royal Exchange and the Company, including South British and New Zealand Insurance Company. Resident inspectors domiciled in the offices of the firm were an integral part of the insurance service offered to shareholders and clients.

Pickering, Sagar and Leece, Motor Garage 1916, Regent Street, Hawera. Farmers’ Co-op Motor Car agents from 1915 until 1917.

COURTESY C. T. (TORRY) LEECE

Farmers’ Co-op’s entry into motor-car and machinery sales was inevitable as automation gained popularity. Cars became accepted as a safe means of transport in the early 1900s, and mechanised farm implements and tractors were a welcome alternative to the horse. Motor cars were becoming particularly popular with farmers and their families who lived in isolated areas. Prior to 1898, under existing law, cars had to be treated like traction engines – travelling at walking pace and with men ahead and behind. To overcome this problem William McLean sponsored a new Act of Parliament: the McLean Motor Car Act, 1898. He campaigned and prepared a private member’s bill and, after months of debate, division and alteration, Lord Ranfurly put his name to the McLean Motor-car Act, 1898. It defined the motor-car as ‘any vehicle propelled by mechanical power, which unladen is under three tons in weight, so constructed that no smoke or visible vapour is emitted except from some temporary or accidental cause.’ The Act imposed a maximum speed of 12mph and a fine of £10 for excessive speed. The ‘no smoke or visible vapour is emitted’ requirement failed to receive much attention as automobiles and the combustion engine in all manner of transportation gained popularity during the century.

Agency offers for various models of motor cars began flooding in from companies almost immediately. Many were rejected and others, including Humber Cars, Thornycroft Motor Lorry & Willys Utility Truck, Triumph Motor Cycles agency, were considered and accepted. Of particular note was the agency for Hupmobile cars on 8 August 1914. Two months later the Society purchased a ‘Hupp’ car for demonstration purposes. In December 1914 a recommendation ‘that the directors

accept the agency for the Morris Oxford cars’ was carried. There are no records indicating precisely how the Society managed the motor and machinery department in these formative years. They had no experience or connections in motor or machinery trading and it is reasonable to assume that the decision to work through agents was probably seen as the means to becoming established in what was a relatively unknown commodity. We do know that they had an agency arrangement with the International Harvester Company for one year that was cancelled and that R. H. (Dick) Leece formed a partnership in 1915 with the blessing of Farmers’ Co-op, comprising Messrs Pickering, Sagar and Leece, specifically to sell machinery and cars on behalf of the Society on a commission basis. The business was to be ‘under the full directions of the Society’. In March 1916 the partnership agreed to accept an offer ‘with the company’s consent’ to enter into a threeyear lease with Booth McDonald who would construct a new building from which they would sell machinery and cars. Terms, commission rates and specifications relating to sub-agencies and branches were set by the Society. In his own words, R. H. Leece (who in later years married Bell Hunter, sister of Alex Hunter, Chairman of Farmers Co-op) describes his arrival in Hawera: In Dunedin I worked for Nimmo & Blair and on 13 Jun 1913 I arrived in Hawera to work for Booth, McDonald. I was met at the station by Tom Denton, manager of the company. In 1915, I commenced a partnership under the title of Pickering Sagar & Leece and we were engaged by Farmers’ Co-op. to operate their motor and machinery department on a commission basis. The Co-op was then handling the Hupmobile and one or two English lines. In 1916 we obtained the Chevrolet Franchise from Dominion Motor Vehicles Ltd, Wellington and put up a record amongst the Chevrolet dealers by selling seventy two cars in the first year. We resigned our position with the Farmers’ Co-op. on 16 September 1917 and commenced business the following day on our own account in premises in Regent Street. These premises were previously owned by George Pound, who operated horse stables. We handled Dodge, Hudson and Studebaker for South Taranaki from Newton King.

The Society, working with Hupmobile and Chevrolet as the main brands, had yet to finally settle on one motor-car franchise and the manner it would conduct trading. There was significant demand for cars and machinery. An example of some of the decisions made in connection with the motor and machinery department were: Eureka Implement and Machinery Company offering an agency. Gane Milking Machine Co. Ltd. Agency offered. Mason, Struthers & Co. Dairy Milking Machine agency sought by FCOS. Hutchinson Pumps and Rams. Agency offered. Agreed. Car for Waitara agent. That the car purchased from Mr Joll be handed to Mr Clark for use in the Waitara and Inglewood districts. Extra traveller for machinery. To be held over until the directors’ meeting.

Despite the demand, trading in motor vehicles proved less than profitable in the early years. The fact that authority was granted to take 30 cars off the freighter Florence Luckenbach which arrived on 22 June 1916 exemplified the significant demand for automobiles. Questions were asked by shareholders regarding the lack of profit from this department of the business. So sensitive was the matter that the Farmers’ Co-op decided not to disclose the machinery and motor profit or loss to its shareholders at annual general meetings for fear it would be used by opposition to discredit the Society. In addition, questions were asked by shareholders as to ‘why no rebate was made on motor cars and machinery’. The fact was that the machinery section of the business ‘was a necessary evil’ in that while not profitable, it was a commodity that was demanded by the shareholders and the Society believed it should follow the same practice as other similar organisations. Reference was made to the manager’s car:

Farmers’ Co-op Motor Car Display 1916 at the Winter Show Buildings, Princes Street, Hawera. Left: R. H. Leece (the other man possibly Mr Pickering).

COURTESY C. T. (TORRY) LEECE

Decided to place on record for reference the verbal arrangements made with the manager for his private car – ‘that the managers’ car be charged to his personal account and that he arrange to reduce this indebtedness by a sum of not less than £5 per month. Messrs J. Gibson and Patterson met with the directors on 20 March 1916 and a proposition was outlined offering two properties for sale, one situated on the west side of Princes Street, almost opposite the Winter Show Buildings head office, and another at Patea which included two buildings, a store and bulk store, for the sum of £20,000. The property consisted of: Stock £7,000 Fixtures 500 Goodwill 2,000 Hawera property at 5,775 @ £50 per foot Patea property at 4,000 Patea Bulk Store 750

£20,025.0.0.

Terms £7500 cash for stock and fixtures. Balance 1st Mortgage Debentures for 7 years @ 5½%. The purchase of the Hawera premises at Princes Street, Hawera from Gibson and Patterson and a year or so later a large adjoining garage premises on Regent Street, owned by Messrs Norton and Caplen proved welcome acquisitions to the Society. Eighteen months after the purchase of the

Princes Street property the Society commenced selling motorcars and machinery on its own account from these premises. This was the beginning of a love affair with cars and the motor industry which played a significant part in Farmers’ Coop’s trading successes in the years ahead. Petrol, commonly referred to as Motor Spirit in the early years, was imported from America by Farmers’ Co-op in four gallon tins. Two tins to a wooded case were usually kept in concrete buildings which could hold up to 2,000 cases. There were no petrol pumps at this time, consequently it was poured into vehicles from the can with what was called a tripod – a rectangular receptacle with a brass spike. The rectangular piece had holes and a hose attached with a nozzle on the end. When a client requested petrol, a case would be opened and it was sold by the tin. The tripod was driven into the tin and tipped upside down into the car’s petrol tank. Allan Rankin, a dedicated employee of Farmers’ Co-op for some 50 years, described how they served petrol from the store in the 1920s: Farmers’ Co-op wooden case I would ask how much they wanted – they would probably say – ‘It will take two tins used to import cans of motor – 8 gallons.’ You stick the hose in the tank of the car and up end the tin that was soldered spirit (petrol) before bulk up – there was no screw top or anything. There was no seal on it. Then I would slam it transportation. into this tripod arrangement – the spike (which was brass) would then go into the tin. The tin would drain off immediately into the tank. If the tank wouldn’t hold it all – there was no way of stopping it – it would spill out over the tank and run down the gutter. Between the shed and the building there was about a 20ft drop to a stream – we used to toss the empty tins over the edge and they were never moved – they piled up over the years and just rusted away. After pumps were installed in later years Allan Rankin found the ‘tripod spike’ in a shed and gave it to a gentleman who ran a museum. When he passed away, all the artefacts were given to Puke Ariki. The tripod used to extract petrol at the Farmers’ Co-op New Plymouth motor and machinery department is now part of the Puke Ariki Museum collection. Motor cars were and still are continually evolving, but the manner in which they were used was being developed through experience in the early 1900s. Farmers’ Co-op took the lead in educating shareholders in the correct use of this ‘marvellous invention’:

It is Illegal for Motorists 1. To splash mud or water over pedestrians. 2. To interrupt a funeral or other ceremonial procession. 3. To use chains on tar sealed road. 4. To carry passengers on the running board. 5. To allow the load to extend beyond the running board. 6. To drive across a footpath from a gate at a greater speed than four miles an hour. 7. To drive over a fire hose. 8. To drive within 15ft of a fire hydrant in use. 9. To run over either a ‘silent’ or ordinary policeman. 10. Left-hand drives are illegal.

Unanimous support from the entire Taranaki farming fraternity would have been just too much to ask. There were existing stock and station firms, auctioneers and many others with alliances and loyalties to small commercial enterprises who became disadvantaged by the establishment of this large farmers’ trading co-operative and in the ensuing years some retail traders were forced to sell or simply close their doors. This of course is now common practice in the quest for market share

and a commercial reality. However, at this time in New Zealand it was a relatively new phenomenon, at least in South Taranaki, and it was seen as a thorn in the side by some, at least until the settlingdown period had passed. Only one month had elapsed since the opening sale and newspapers carried the following advertisement:

THE FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVE ORGANISATION SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND LIMITED

Important notice

As it has come to our knowledge that reports are being circulated throughout the district to the effect that The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of New Zealand Limited are not in a position to finance purchasers at their clearing sales, we wish to give the statement an emphatic denial, and to notify all of our clients, both present and future, that we are prepared to finance all those requiring accommodation for stock. Whilst we can hardly think that the report mentioned has been circulated for the express purpose of doing harm to the Society, we deem it advisable that the true position shall be clearly understood by our clients, who can rely on receiving every attention and consideration, and all necessary accommodation from the Society. A.W. Gillies, General Manager G.A. Holder, Secretary

Farmers in many outlying areas, were keenly focused on making the new co-operative work for them and seized the opportunity to make applications to Farmers’ Co-op to construct saleyards and establish branches in their districts. Such was the influx of inquiries, that a motion was passed by the board that before consideration would be given to establishing saleyards, farmers in the district must subscribe £5,000 worth of shares. This proviso encouraged locals to publicly canvass the idea through local newspapers to find favour with the new Hawera based co-operative. One of its immediate neighbouring towns, Patea, had suffered a downturn and was going through a difficult period. The district had earlier lost the Agricultural & Pastoral Association and the Patea Freezing Company had gone into voluntary liquidation in 1910 despite an attempt to rejuvenate it when it took in Nolan and Tonks, stock and station agents as partners for a few years. However, with talk of extending both breakwaters and new meat works, in a letter to the editor in the Patea County Press on 8 April 1914, expectations of a revival in the town were plainly evident:

CORRESPONDENCE

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents SALEYARDS at PATEA

To The Editor

Sir, Patea in the past has remained dormant, but I believe is on the eve of advancement, providing of course that the business people and inhabitants generally rise to the occasion. In the past the amount of business which has gone out of town is amazing, even more so than people realise. Nothing has been done to induce the people to come here to do the shopping. In every town that enjoys the privilege of market day, business in every sphere benefits considerably. Now that we are going to have a harbour, new meat works and are being brought up to date by a drainage and water scheme, we are in a position to advance our claims. Years ago a great deal of stock used to be shipped from the port, the West Coast of the South Island always finding a ready market. This trade has, I believe been lost. Stock is driven through Patea to the adjoining saleyards. A new firm, namely The Farmers’ Co-operative Association, has entered into the field, and are widening their scope, and if the claims of Patea were placed before them, they would I believe, readily agree to include the town on their list. The fact of the meat works being in our midst is sufficient proof of the necessity for a cattle market in the town. The farming community would welcome this

Opunake township, Main Street 1914. (Photographer Samuel Feaver.)

COURTESY OF COLLECTION PUKE ARIKI. PHO2009-176

forward step because of Patea’s central position. Land is plentiful, both municipal and private, which could be offered at a nominal rental. I hope, Sir, that you will take this matter up and suggest it to the local Chamber of Commerce to go thoroughly into the matter. Feeling certain that it is a favourable step and greatly to the interest of the town of Patea. I am. etc., A. Dunkley.

In the relatively isolated west coast district of Opunake the local branch of N. Z. Farmers Union, chaired by a persevering and energetic Mr G. Looney, had shown particular interest in the establishment of a branch of Farmers’ Co-op. This N.Z. Farmers’ Union branch was one of the strongest in South Taranaki and well represented. Seconding a motion on the highly satisfactory annual result for the Opunake Farmers’ Union branch, Mr L. E. Jackson stood to bring the farmers’ attention to the fact that:

The N. Z. Farmers’ Organisation Society were endeavouring to establish yards and farmer stores at Opunake and he considered that farmers would be serving their best interests by supporting the movement in every way possible. The chairman pointed out that the Opunake branch was not slow in assisting the farmers’ interests, and he mentioned the fact that the local branch had posted out 500 circulars to farmers in the district urging them to organise to protect their own interests so that the Farmers’ Union would be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Discussions with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile manager at Hawera to use their saleyards at Opunake if required had been held. The huge local interest and support shown by farmers in the district prompted the Society to approve the permanent appointment, from 1 June 1914, of Mr L. E. Jackson, as agent at Opunake, at £300 per annum, subject to ‘him finding his own clerical assistance meantime’. This appointment followed discussions and correspondence from Messrs T. J. Mildenhall, A. H. Moore, and L. E. Jackson regarding a site for saleyards and a store, but the location of the proposed Opunake Railway Station had yet to be decided, so for the time being a decision on the

precise site was held in abeyance. This brief introduction to Farmers’ Co-op of Adolphus H. Moore, of the West Coast Land Agency, Opunake, would have a lasting impact on the Opunake operation, and his local influence and knowledge would determine the eventual location of the Opunake saleyards. He was described in Kate A. Mickelson’s book on the history of Opunake, The Clearing, as, ‘a well educated English gentleman, well versed in business procedures and obviously unafraid to voice an opinion – even when he realised that he would be outweighed by numbers. Unfortunately he was often defeated by greater numbers who were of lesser intelligence’. In May 1914, Messrs Hunter, Corrigan, Death, Barkla and Coombridge visited Opunake to inspect sections offered to the Society by Mr A. H. Moore and also any others that were available. The committee was also designated to represent the Society at a meeting of Opunake shareholders on the same day.

The meeting and inspections took place and it was resolved that: The Society purchase the sections offered by Mr A. H. Moore on behalf of Mr Clough, for paddocks and saleyards at Opunake providing the owner is willing to accept a reduction in the price for cash and that Mr Hunter, Death, Corrigan and Coombridge be appointed to a sub committee to interview Mr Moore in regard to the matter. If the sub committee is unable to come to terms with Mr Moore, as an alternative they be empowered to inspect any other suitable sites that be offering with the power to act. Correspondence was received from Mr Jackson stating: that he had been offered on the Society’s behalf suitable offices in McGregor’s Buildings at Opunake at a rental of 25/- per week, rent payable monthly, one month notice on either side to terminate the lease. The Society to have the right at any time to take the offices for a fixed period of one year. No rates or insurance payable by the Society. Possession 22 June 1914. Moved by Mr Coombridge, seconded by Mr Gray – That the offices in McGregor’s buildings be rented on the terms stated.

William Coombridge, director and resident of Opunake had heard adverse rumours concerning Farmers’ Co-op’s proposed site of the Opunake yards and forewarned the board that: There was just a probability the Convent Authorities would object to the Society erecting saleyards next to their school and after discussing the question it was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of the sub committee already appointed to deal with the business.

Opening of Farmers’ Co-op Opunake saleyards on 22 March 1915.

COURTESY SAMUEL FEAVER COLLECTION.

His timely intimation was confirmed when a letter was received from Opunake’s Rev. Hartnett and also a petition from local residents protesting against the construction of saleyards next to the convent school. A meeting was arranged with church authorities to arrive at some mutually satisfactory arrangement. It appears that in the end the convent and local petitioners had their way, because in August a sub-committee waited upon the Opunake Harbour Board to discuss the terms and rental of the section they were offering to lease the Society. This was probably introduced to the Society by A. H. Moore, a member of the Opunake Harbour Board at the time, although leasing land was also not all plain sailing. The property was currently leased by a Mr M. J. MacReynolds and some negotiating was required to endeavour to persuade the Harbour Board to terminate the current lease and grant a new one to the Society. This took some six months and finally in February 1915 the lease was approved and plans for the saleyards went ahead. A decision was made to erect a store and offices on the saleyards with a concrete floor with wood and iron sides, ‘the cost not to exceed £250’. For reasons unknown Mr Todd recorded his vote against the proposal. However, he did second a motion that ‘a free luncheon be given at our opening sale at Opunake and that an invitation be issued to our shareholders in the district’. A motion, also seconded by Mr Todd ‘that ale be supplied with the luncheon’, was lost.

Everything was now in place to make the first sale day a grand occasion for Opunake farmers and the district as a whole.

‘Auspicious conditions’, were the words used by the Hawera and Normanby Star correspondent to describe a cloudy, cool, Monday 22 March 1915, for the opening of Farmers’ Co-op’s Opunake saleyards. The weather had been particularly wet, but on the day the rain kept away. A record of over 2,000 cattle had been yarded, most direct from local farms. From early morning staff were kept busy, receiving, yarding and drafting stock that came from throughout the district. There was also a record attendance of farmers and general public from near and far and, according to local identities, numbers were ‘far in excess of any previous similar function’. It was said that ‘one gentleman came all the way from Wanganui for the sale’. Telegrams were received from Mr Newton King and others wishing the Society every success. So high were the stock numbers on the occasion that Farmers’ Co-op accepted N. Z. Loan & Mercantile’s offer to use their yards. Motorcars and other means of transport were used to transfer people between the yards. The number of visitors attending, ‘drawn up in motorcars was something akin to a race meeting’. Assistants ‘did their best to cope with the rush’ at the luncheon of sandwiches, soft drinks and fruit of various kinds, served on tables in and around the ‘housed yards or stadium’. Tea was also served and

the countrymen helped themselves to farmers’ slices of bread, cheese and ham. It was there in bulk. All were welcome to participate in the luncheon. It was good, substantial, appetising and by the way the food disappeared, it was relished very much.

Before auctioneers commanded the attention of buyers, chairman George Buckeridge, addressed the gathering, congratulating them on the unqualified success of the first sale. ‘It augured well for their future development and their future success. If they continued as they had started there could be absolutely no doubt of a successful career in the future.’ He also congratulated the district on having such fine up-to-date yards: ‘there are probably no finer yards on the coast and they are a great credit to the committee of directors responsible for the design and construction’. He also congratulated the contractor, Mr S. Lockhart, builder, Hawera for the excellent workmanship and, ‘the splendid support given by farmers, both in taking up shares and in the yarding of cattle’. He indicated that he hoped by the end of the day he would be able to congratulate them on the prices they received for their stock. The yards, of no less than 24,000 square feet, were constructed to last, with concrete throughout, ‘to a depth of four inches’.

Two large holding pens, ranging in area from 70ft by 60ft each, and some seventy divisional pens, ranging in area from 27ft by 18ft, 18ft by 9ft and 9ft by 9ft. These are all very substantially built of silver pine posts and jarrah rails, with ample cappings. A sale shed for dairy stock with seating accommodation for between 200 and 300 people as well a sale ring 20 feet by 12 feet had also been constructed. A bulk store measuring 60 feet by 30 feet with an office of 20 feet by 12 feet would be built immediately. Adjacent to the yards were six or seven accommodation paddocks, with an ample supply of fresh water reticulated to the main yards by means of a hydraulic ram and tanks. Mr Buckeridge concluded his opening remarks by stating that ‘It is a matter for the individual farmers to decide whether these excellent yards at Opunake will be justified or not.’

Mr Nalder, auctioneer, opened the sale in the ‘bull pen’ and the first offering was a four-year-old shorthorn bull. Bidding started at £9, quickly rising to £14, at which price it was knocked down: ‘Paddy quickly daubing it with the tar brush, Mr Hobbs opened the pen gate to the paddock – the first animal sold kicked up its heels in honour of the occasion and raced to the far end of the paddock.’ The rest of the pen, some 25, sold readily for £12, £10 and down to £7 for light weights. Fat cows brought up to £9, bullocks, weaner steers and empty cows also brought good prices. Many buyers were attending an Opunake sale for the first time. Messrs Nolan and Hobbs concluded this largest cattle auction at Opunake with a full yarding at the Loan and Mercantile yards, with the last line ‘put up before half past six’. It was indeed ‘a great sale’ and a most successful beginning to a longtime partnership between the farmers of Opunake and the Farmers’ Co-op (Taranaki Farmers). Opunake had the distinction of becoming the first town in Taranaki to establish a Farmers’ Co-op saleyards and in addition a district branch. The general manager, Hawera staff and the Society’s directors were also present.

Following the livestock sale, potatoes were sold for the Belgium Relief Fund, realising 10s per sack. Eight sacks were presented by Mr Pettigrew and ‘some tons’ were presented by Mr Conaglen and Mr Dickson, Pihama. These, however, were not sold immediately due to time constraints. The Society showed appreciation to Mrs Stohr for supervising the luncheon arrangements and laying out the tables. Mr D. T. Leahy presented a cow in aid of the Belgium Relief Fund, realising 16

Town of Manaia looking west, early 1900s.

COURTESY OF COLLECTION PUKE ARIKI. PHO2008-432

guineas. ‘The sports from Hawera did the generous bidding’. Opunake manager Mr L. E. Jackson and staff were complimented on the management of the very first sale of Farmers’ Co-op. They ‘made a name for the Co-operative Society’. Three years later a produce store was built at Opunake next door to the saleyards and, until 1946, merchandising of produce fertiliser and hardware was conducted from this 50ft x 30ft building by two staff and a manager.

Other saleyards, district branches and agencies were to follow after the 1915 success. However, not all immediately blossomed into successful arrangements – directors expressed dissatisfaction with the progress being made at Manaia, where an agent had been appointed. He was asked to: put a little more energy into his work and endeavour to secure a larger proportion of the clearing sales for the Society, as it has been pointed out that our interests were not being looked after in the manner conducive to the Society’s welfare in the district … Before the establishment of a substantial Farmers’ Co-op branch in Manaia a variety of other difficulties would have to be overcome. Kaupokonui Co-operative Dairy Company had ruled the roost along the South Taranaki coast since 1897, at least with regard to milk processing, stores and produce. It had shown considerable initiative and purchased the Crown Company’s dairy factory on Normanby Road, the first factory established in the vicinity of Manaia, known as Manaia Dairy Factory. It also built a number of creameries, including those at Taikatu Road, Auroa Road, Skeet Road, Oeo Road and Sutherland Road, and purchased the Skeet Road Crown Factory. The Cooperative also operated a very successful produce store at Kaupokonui and in 1920 opened other stores at Manaia and Kapuni. With well established retail outlets servicing the surrounding Manaia district and its relatively close proximity to Hawera, it appears the introduction of a fully stocked Farmers’ Co-op branch in Manaia, without sufficient local support, would be found wanting. This proved to be the case and although a small operation was established situated on Sutherland Road, opening only on certain days of the week, this practice was found to be ‘unsatisfactory and wasteful’ and it was decided in 1917 to fully stock the store and Mr F. W. Stevens was placed in charge of the facility. Despite severe competition in produce and stores, the Manaia stock and station department grew and continued to function with considerable success, with the produce store operating in a limited capacity for many years. It was not until 1961 that Farmers’ Co-op purchased the Kaupokonui and Manaia stores from the Kaupokonui Co-operative Dairy Company prior to the establishment of the giant Kiwi Co-operative Dairy Company that the long-awaited Farmers’ Co-op merchandise store in the Manaia district eventually became a reality.

Eltham, to the north, was also reasonably close to headquarters and there chairman George H. Buckeridge operated a very successful land agency and agencies for Henry A. Lane & Co. Ltd, London, buyer of butter, cheese and tallow, from his Bridge Street office (almost opposite the intersection with Cornwall Street) some 400 hundred yards from the Farmers Co-op’s saleyards purchased from Gillies and Nalder. His offer to the Society of front-room offices to create a presence in the town at 10/- per week was agreed upon. However, the resolution was rescinded. Soon after, a shelter was erected at the saleyards to sell dairy stock. Within a few months consideration was being given to providing Eltham with a more comprehensive fully staffed branch office and merchandise store.