154 ON THE DIFFEEEXT MODES OF 



for mixed lots that are cut within or adjacent to the policies. For 

 this class of sales, so long as the supply does not exceed the local 

 demand, public auction is without doubt the best mode of disposing 

 of mixed lots of home-grown timber. 



The expenses connected with the preparation of wood for sale by 

 auction are considerable ; but so long as the competition is kept up, 

 prices sufficient to pay for the extra outlay are generally obtained. 

 Instances to the contrary have occurred, and cases are known where 

 the purchasers have agreed not to bid against each other. This only 

 occurs where the competition is limited, and under such circum- 

 stances sales by public auction should not be adopted. Instances 

 are also known where the sum realised for the wood did not pay the ex- 

 penses of cutting and preparing for the sale. These instances occurred 

 in a district where only a small local trade exists, and therefore 

 unsuitable for selling wood by auction except in very small quanti- 

 ties. It will thus be seen that although public auction is a desirable 

 mode of selling timber, its success depends upon the district, local 

 demand, and quantity to be disposed of. In my experience neither 

 wood-merchants nor consumers are in the habit of going far to 

 attend auction sales, except for some particular trees, or class of 

 wood that is difficult to procure* 



The conditions relative to this mode of sale have been indicated, 

 and all lots are understood as being at the purchaser's risk imme- 

 diately after being disposed of by the auctioneer. Still it is gene- 

 rally considered requisite to have a reliable man in attendance to 

 watch the proprietor's interest during the time the wood is being 

 removed. In this way many difficulties that might arise regarding 

 roads, gates, &c, are prevented. 



The cost of preparing wood for sale by auction generally ranges 

 from 15 to 25 per cent, of the total sum realised, according to the 

 quality and kind of wood. The expense depends upon the situation, 

 particularly as regards the roads and access to the plantations. 



III. Sales by Private Bargain. — This mode is more or less adopted 

 in all woodland properties ; but it is not to be recommended except 

 under special circumstances, such as — First, For disposing of wood 

 from plantations in the immediate neighbourhood or centre of a 

 mining district, where the consumers are willing to give the full 

 market price for whatever wood they require. Second, Local saw- 

 mills, boat-building yards, and other tradesmen may be supplied on 

 the same terms, viz., market price. Third, Telegraph poles, pit 

 props, or any other class of rough wood for which, at a stated depot, 



