CHOICE OF METHODS OF SALE 297 



an auction ; for the buyers can arrange matters amongst 

 themselves half an hour before the appointed time. 



The better plan is to stipulate that all the tenders be sent 

 by post to the land agent's office ; this will make it very 

 difficult for a ring to be formed, as the buyers may not have 

 discovered all those who are tendering. Other advantages 

 are, that the method is not expensive ; the agent can refrain 

 from accepting the tender of any person who is undesirable ; 

 and the advantages of competition which may exist at an 

 auction are also obtained. 



Sale by Private Contract. This method is often advis- 

 able, especially for small quantities of timber. It is the least 

 expensive of any method, but, on the other hand, there is no 

 competition. However, a local builder or wheelwright will 

 often give a better price for a small quantity of timber than a 

 merchant who resides at a distance. So also, it will often 

 be advisable to sell privately to a local timber merchant, pro- 

 vided that he offer a fair price. But large quantities should 

 be sold by tender, and, in many cases, the local merchant will 

 be able to tender the highest, owing to the small cost of the 

 haulage of the timber to his yard. 



Now, in all sales of timber every assistance should be 

 given to possible purchasers in showing them the timber. If 

 the railway station is far off, arrangements should be made 

 with some liveryman to meet any train, on receiving notice 

 to do so, and this fact should be advertised. Then again, 

 when merchants come to inspect and measure timber, which 

 is to be sold for a lump sum, a woodman should be put at 

 their disposal to assist in girthing the trees, etc., for this may 

 save the merchant another day's visit, or at anyrate avoid the 

 necessity of sending a foreman down to measure. 



In all cases instructions should be given to any woodman 

 thus deputed to assist, and to others who come in contact 

 with those who come to inspect the timber, not to be too 

 loquacious and not to repeat the names of all those who have 

 come to inspect and measure the timber. And thus, in cases 

 of sales by tender, it will not be so easy for the buyers to 

 form a ring if so minded. 



