Newspaper Article 1986 – John takes his last bid

John takes his last bid

Yesterday’s stock sale at Waipukurau was particularly significant for Williams and Kettle agent and auctioneer John Baines.

The next time he returns it will be on the other side of the railings – as a farmer.

John Baines has been with Williams and Kettle for 19 years, he was previously with Murray Roberts Ltd, first as a stock clerk and later as a junior agent.

He has long been regarded as a senior auctioneer for Williams and Kettle and is a respected and popular figure in the saleyards – an environment which calls for speed, initiative and a ready wit.

Highlights for Mr Baines have been topping the sale. “The times when you work like billyo and manage to head off the opposition by 20 cents.” Most auctioneers would agree that their erstwhile colleague has had his share of these triumphs.

Conversely the worst times are the droughts which he says are hard both on the farm and on the agent. “You have a lot of responsibility toward your client, to get the best price in hard times.”

But John Baines has no regrets about leaving his job, or qualms at becoming a farmer during the economic “low.”

He has worked toward this moment for the last 24 years and believes it is the time to buy.

He and his wife Anne, have just bought a property at Hatuma where they intend farming Romney ewes and fattening cattle.

“Farming has highs and lows and I am confident there will be more good times ahead.

He will of course, continue to be a “familiar figure at the Tuesday stock sale – but this time on the outside, as a Williams and Kettle client.

Pictured: John Baines having a final fling with the “fats.”