Board 6: Going, Going, Gone
The Newmarket Saleyards operated on a system of public auction. At 8:00 a.m., the bell signalling the start of the day’s sales rang, and the Conditions of Sale or ‘Prayers’ were read out.
The auctioneer, the stock clerks who recorded and booked sales, the independent recorder who kept the time and resolved any price dispute and the bid spotter leapt up onto the walkway.
At 8:10 a.m. the first sale pen was sold in a matter of seconds. Thousands of sheep and cattle were sold in a day. Due to its central position the Saleyards was accessible to both large wholesale and export buyers as well as small metropolitan and country buyers. This competition ensured good quality meat at reasonable prices which benefited the people of Melbourne.
In its time, the excitement of the auction and the rural atmosphere of the Yards entertained not only the vendors and buyers but also thousands of spectators from all over Melbourne and Victoria.
Original panel sponsored by StrathAyr – instant lawn
