While fewer returned to celebrate this year’s Newmarket Saleyards Reunion nothing could stem the chatter and occasional outbursts of laughter that’s become synonymous with this annual event.
Among a small group of first time attendees were Marion Stott of Mooroolbark and her sister Roslyn Thomson of Allansford who brought newspaper clippings tracing their family connection, as great grand-daughters, to one of Melbourne’s early stock and station agency businesses, Ryan & Hammond, who began trading in Bourke Street West on July-26, 1856.
Among their collection of history they brought a report - printed in the Kyneton Guardian, November 27 1875 – of an important sale of imported Lincoln sheep and their progeny which were the property of the Estate of the Late Edward Argyle of Book House near Kyneton.
The report concluded that the sale excited a large amount of interest, buyers being present from many parts of the colony, and, upon the whole, very satisfactory prices were obtained.
Competition, it said, was very brisk, with the top figure being given by Mr T Bath of Learmonth – vis 69 guineas, and several reaching 64, and 65 guineas, with the 50 head of ewes and their lambs realizing 2109 guineas or an average of 44 pound, 58 shillings and 9 pence.
The day also acknowledged the efforts of Joan Caldwell for her part in documenting the history of Newmarket Saleyards, and Kevin Shrimpton and the extended Shrimpton family for organising the day in memory of this father and former Newmarket drover, John Shrimpton.
Hardwick Kyneton abattoir, Frewstal Abattoir, Stawell, the family of the late Graeme “Waxy” Pearce and Stock & Land were also thanked for their generous support of the day.
Plans for next year’s 2019 Reunion on Saturday, February-16 were also commenced.
