Summary

Wooden sign for stock passes. Used at Newmarket Saleyards.

At Newmarket Saleyards, drovers would herd the cattle or sheep into holding yards and would then leave a ticket or 'pass' in the box allocated to the stock agent they were working for. This pass indicated the number of animals delivered to the pens. After the sale, drovers collected their passes which stated the number of animals to be taken out of the saleyards. This number was required to tally with the number counted by the Melbourne City Council employee as the livestock passed through the gates at the Epsom Road underpass, the Main Lane, or any other delivery outlet. The numbers on the pass were used to calculate the yard dues and charges which had to be paid by the Agents.

Physical Description

A narrow piece of hardwood, cut on an angle at both ends and with a small hole before hand-painted words. 4 nails driven into the lower edge may indicate where passes were attached.

More Information