Maintenance and administration of the Newmarket yards was carried out by the Melbourne City Council who had a workshop and office on site. It mainly involved replacing rotten or broken timber fence rails and posts; repair of fittings on gates and rails; re-laying bluestone pitchers; rubbish and manure removal; and cleaning and maintenance of the administration buildings.

The yard rails were made of hardwood, some of the older posts were jarrah but most were red gum. Sometimes damage to the yard would be caused by animals pushing against fences or becoming stuck between fence rails. Emergency maintenance and repairs had to be made during the sales, with the work being done quickly around the stock. Council Clerks were responsible for record keeping of livestock moving in and out of the Saleyards, and a Council employee worked at the 'Back Gate' as a stock counter, collecting stock passes and tallying yard dues. Prior to its closure, the Melbourne City Council had over 38 employees and 5 staff officers working full time at Newmarket.

References:
Wilson, G. 1982, The Age, 6 August.

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