INTRICACIES and in some cases, intrigue, of stitching up sales of record-priced bulls and rams during the 1980s were among reminiscences between former and present stud stock agents and auctioneers during an informal get-together in Sydney last week.
The small gathering included agents who began their careers around Australia in the 1960s and who played pivotal roles in stud auctions, private sales and property sales throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
Gathered at The Royal Oak Hotel, Double Bay, the group enjoyed an afternoon at the bar with other livestock industry personalities invited by organiser, Wally Merriman, Merryville stud, Boorowa, who said he believed it was time as many of the people involved in the marketing of the stud cattle and sheep industry 30 and 40 years ago reunited.
Auctioneers from that era included Peter Norrie, David Marshall, Tony Dowe and Kevin Norris.
Mr Norrie, retired at St Ives, began his career in the stud stock department of New Zealand Loan in the 1950s and survived all the Dalgety takeovers to become the company's leading stud auctioneer.
Mr Marshall, who retired at Paddington and just moved north, was another Dalgety-trained auctioneer before moving to McDonald Stockmasters and on to Austock.
The colourful Elders duo of Kevin Norris (now with Landmark, Wagga Wagga) and Tony Dowe, retired at Lugarno, stood side-by-side in the selling rostrum at many a Royal, breed multi-vendor and on-properties stud sales, on many occasions knocking down record-priced stock .
Rick Cooper, Elders' South Australian specialist who is now retired at North Adelaide, and Lex Heineman, one of Queensland's top property salesmen and now of Landmark Harcourts, Brisbane, also attended.
Mark Griggs
Journalist for The Land at Dubbo.
Journalist for The Land at Dubbo.
