KATANNING STOCK & TRADING Co

katanning stock trading co

Katanning Stock and Trading Co is the oldest surviving business in Katanning, and still in its original position, having started in 1896 as A.E. Piesse & Co. It is currently (2024) owned by the van Koldenhoven family.

(The second oldest surviving business in Katanning is the
Great Southern Herald)

c1905 – prior to second story (1908) and showroom (1925)

Katanning Stock and Trading Co, with its two-storey federation freestyle building, represents the economic growth of Katanning in the early part of the last century. It was the headquarters of the first regular sheep sales and a meeting place for both buyers and sellers. Its sheep selling yards were situated between Austral Terrace and Britannia Street on Bokarup Street and the first sale in the new yards occurred on Thursday, 16 January, 1908. The original Roman Catholic church was on the opposite side of Bokarup Street.

The original Katanning Stock & Trading Co sheep sale yards c1910

In 1905 A. E. Piesse and Company was established in Austral Terrace with offices and a showroom. The company provided farm and building equipment and the timber yards were located on the corner of the building. A single storey building (see photo top of page) was built by one of the most prominent citizens in Katanning, Mr. A. E. Piesse (a younger brother of Frederick Piesse), and was associated with another important local businessman, George McLeod.

In 1907 the company extended its business part of this new venture. The company then began trading as Katanning Stock & Trading Company Ltd, building stock saleyards and continued dealing in livestock until 1914. The company was to feel the full effects of the Depression and leased its garage and plant to two enterprising men, Hughie Mouritz and Les Gare, who established their own garage. Some staff lost their jobs and others had to accept a lower wage.

However, the company survived and was eventually able to embrace two new agencies – Ford Motor Cars and Wigmore and Co. Agricultural Machinery. As a result, new premises had to be erected by 1925 including a second storey being added to the main building around 1927 (with part being leased to a legal firm), and these were, at the time, one of the most modern and handsome showrooms outside Perth.

inHerit

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ARNOLD PIESSE & CO’S BUSINESS

Formed Into A Co-Operative Company.
(Where it all started)

Great Southern Herald,
1 December, 1907

It has long been felt that the district has sufficiently advanced to warrant the erection of locally owned saleyards, especially considering the great strides made in connection with sheep breeding during the past few years.

With this end in view a company has been formed to acquire the goodwill and business of Messrs. Arnold Piesse & Co., general traders and commission agents, Katanning. It is proposed as far as possible to make the company co-operative, and to ensure this, provision has been made by which the majority of the shares will be offered to farmers and graziers in the Katanning district.

The directors of the company will be practical men, and the management will be in the hands of people thoroughly conversant with the requirements and conditions of an agricultural and pastoral community.

Up-to-date sale yards will be erected at Katanning, to be followed by other yards in all the main centres along the G.S.R.. Agencies in connection with the importation of high-class stock of every description will be established in the Eastern States. Thus, enabling the company to particularly cater for the requirements, large or small, of every farmer in the district.he export trade in lambs will be encouraged and developed and arrangements made by which shipments can be made via Albany, which will mean a considerable reduction in freight, and ultimately reduce other charges.

The supply of manures will also form a most important part of the company’s business. The prospects of the company are of the brightest, strong support having been promised, and it is confidently anticipated that within a few months every resident of the surrounding districts engaged in either agricultural or pastoral pursuits will be shareholders and supporters of the company. As an investment, apart from any other consideration, it is worthy of the deepest attention as the present business will show good interest upon the amount of capital propound to be invested in the company.

The new company take over the business on January 1, 1908. The prospectus and application forms will be available shortly. Further particulars will be supplied upon application to Mr. T. W. Langley, Katanning.

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OPENING OF NEW SHOWROOMS.

Great Southern Herald
16 September 1925 – P2

Katanning Stock and Trading Co., Ltd.

Some 1,000 people were the guests of the Katanning Stock and Trading Co., Ltd., last Monday evening when the new showrooms were officially declared open by Mr. Harold Piesse. The new buildings have been erected to meet the ever-increasing volume of the Company’s business and to demonstrate their various lines and agencies.

The function took, the form of a dance, and the large and well finished showroom tastefully decorated with streamers and greenery, made most pleasing picture. The Katanning Brass Band rendered selections prior and during the evening and this feature materially assisted towards the success of the evening.

Mr. F. M. Gare, the manager, gave brief resume of the history of the Company since its inception in 1884 and spoke of the splendid and unerring faith that had been exhibited by both customers and shareholders, in its future.

Mr. Boas, of Oldham, Boas and Ednie Brown, the Architects for the building, also addressed the gathering and congratulated the shareholders on their enterprising spirit and the evident faith they bestowed in the district. He paid tribute to the satisfactory and expeditious manner in which the work had been carried out by Mr. Lake, the contractor.

Mr. Lake, in thanking the management and Mr. Boas for their expressions of satisfaction, also congratulated the company on its acquisition of such extensive and up-to-date show rooms.

In declaring the building open, Mr. H. V. Piesse, said that he was proud to have the opportunity of performing such a pleasant duty and spoke of the successful way in which the Company had been conducted under the management of Mr. F. M. Gare. The speaker, on behalf of the Company, announced that a fully equipped Ford Service Station would be opened immediately under the able charge of Mr. Hugh Mouritz, and in closing solicited the help of all motorists in the district to make this new branch of the business a success.

An able orchestra under the baton of Mr. Archie Morrell provided excellent music and dancing was continued until an early hour. During the evening a very dainty supper was provided by the ladies of the staff, assisted by a number of friends, and was enjoyed by all.

At the conclusion of the dance a |hearty vote of thanks was tendered to the staff for the work done in decorating and catering for the evening. Three hearty cheers to the Company, coupled with the name of Mr. Harold Piesse, brought a very pleasant evening to a close.

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FIFTY YEARS OF PROGRESS AND EXPANSION

The Katanning Stock and Trading Co celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1957 having endured pandemics, drought, the Great Depression and two world wars. Despite all this, the company continued to grow and expand. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the Great Southern Herald produced the following feature in a November, 1957 edition.

Katanning Stock & Trading Company Ltd
From inception in 1907 to 1957

Great Southern Herald
November, 1957

The formation of the Katanning Stock & Trading Co Ltd, on November 29, 1907; its growth through the years, the survival of two world wars and the depression period, and its range of activities from stock merchants to car dealers, were traced recently by Chairman of Directors, Mr A. J. Morrell, when speaking at two functions, held to mark the company’s fiftieth anniversary.

Mr Morrell joined the company in 1915 as an accountant and was appointed secretary in 1932. Three years later he became manager and held that position until his retirement in 1954. Mr Morrell became a member of the Directorate in 1940 and was appointed chairman in 1954.

The two functions held to celebrate the Company’s Jubilee were the Shareholders’ dinner on Friday, December 13, at which the special birthday cake was ceremoniously cut by Mrs Harold Piesse, and the employees’ dinner on Thursday, December 10.

Although the Katanning Stock and Trading Co Limited is this year celebrating fifty years of solid progress the business was, in fact, established some time prior to 1907. The history of the company is intimately associated with the history and development of Katanning. The foundation of the business, which was to become the Katanning Stock & Trading Co. Ltd., had its roots in the development of the State and the construction of the Great Southern railway line.

The brothers F. H. & C. A. Piesse commenced the business of F. & C. Piesse at Williams on March 30, 1880, and later established a branch at Arthur River. The decision to run the Great Southern line between Albany and Beverley, instead of as expected along the more direct route through Kojonup and Williams, came as a great blow to the Piesse brothers. When construction works commenced in 1887 they closed the business they had established to move to the Great Southern.

In 1889 they opened their first store in Katanning. The activities of the Piesse brothers extended and Mr Arnold E. Piesse became manager of the store. After some years he established the business of Arnold E. Piesse & Co., which continued until fifty years ago when the Katanning Stock & Trading Co. Ltd. was formed to take over the concern. The Company was incorporated on December 6, 1907, with Arnold E. Piesse, managing director; T. W. Langley, manager; F. M. Gare, secretary; G. McLeod, director; E. L. Holly, director; and Smith & Goyder, auditors.

During January 1908, the Company entered the stock business and erected sale yards on the site now occupied by the BP Aust. Ltd. bulk installation. Sales of sheep, horses and cattle were conducted – and explain why the word “stock’ was included in the name of the Company. The Company prospered for some years and paid dividends.

However, it became difficult to finance stock deals and, on May 25, 1914, the stock portion of the business was sold to Farmers Mercantile Union and Chaff Mills Ltd. for £1,000. £500 was received in cash and the balance accepted in shares. These proved worthless and the £500 was eventually written off as a bad debt.

Advertisements from the Great Southern Herald – 1928:

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ASSOCIATION WITH FORD

In August, 1915, the Company entered into an agreement with Grave and Dwyer to sell Ford cars and in 1916, Ford tractors. It has therefore been selling Ford products for over 42 years.The company has acted as agents for Millars Timber and Trading Company from the outset. The company has also had and association of fifty years with the Commercial Union Assurance Co. Ltd. For a period of nearly thirty years

Mr Fred Keightly worked the Company’s district as an inspector and, twenty-one years ago, Mr Arthur Taylor succeeded him. Mr Taylor was a Katanning boy, trained in office routine by accountant F. G. Joy, prior to joining the Commercial Union.With the assistance of Mr Taylor, the Company increased its premium income seven times since 1936.

Largest in Australia

At the present time, the Katanning Stock & Trading Co. Ltd., controls the largest premium income of any rural agency of the Commercial Union in Australia.

In 1925 the current hardware showroom was built and in April 1926 the Company opened the garage section of the business and secured the service of the late Mr Hugh Christian Mouritz. However, by 1930 business became so bad the Company was unable to continue paying wages.

Rather than close the garage, the premises and plant were leased at nominal rental to H. C. Mouritz and F. Les Gare. Subsequent to the second world war, Gare and Mouritz established themselves in their own premises and, in compliance with the agreement with the Ford Motor Co., the Company resumed possession of the garage. The financial stringencies of the depression years left the Company in the position where it had to write off substantial amounts of money as bad debts.

In February, 1930, directors and staff were called together and the position explained. Some of the staff had to be put off and the balance had their wages reduced. Business did improve slowly over the next few years but it was a long time before the Company recommenced paying dividends. Of more recent years, the dividend rate of the Company has been very satisfactory.

Company Personnel

Throughout the entire fifty years, there has been little change in the Directorate of the Company. Those to hold office were: A. E. Piesse, Edmund Piesse, Harold Piesse, George McLeod, F. M. Gare, E. L. Holly, A. G. Purkiss, S. Hedges Dale, C. R. Garstone, A. J. Morrell, and during the past few years, Mrs E. S. R. Piesse, E. G. Thomas, and I. D. Thomas.

Chairman of Directors at various times were the first three, followed by S. Hedges Dale, and on his retirement in 1954, Mr A. J. Morrell. The first manager was T. W. Langley, who acted from 1907 until December 1911, when he resigned from the position to continue with the Company as auctioneer. Holcome was appointed in January 1912, but did not stay long and was followed by F. M. Gare, previously secretary, who held the position until his death in January, 1932. Mr A.J. Morrell succeeded Mr Gare and, three years later, was appointed manager. He held the position until his retirement in 1954.

The current Directorate of the Company is A. J. Morrell (chairman), Mrs E. S. R. Piesse, C. R. Garstone, E. G. Thomas and I. D. Thomas, and is supported by a competent staff. Executive members of the staff are: Manager Mr E. G. Thomas, who’s has been with the company for thirty-two years. Starting as a youth, he obtained all-round experience in the Company’s activities, with particular emphasis on insurance and dealership matters.

Assistant Manager, Mr I. D. Thomas, joined the Company twenty years ago after obtaining experience in the timber and building trade. He has been associated with various sections of the Company’s activities and now specialises on builders and contractors supplies.

Motor Sales Manager P. M. Taylor joined the Company thirteen years ago as an experienced car salesman. He was appointed to a management position in succession to E. G. Thomas in 1954. Service Manager Mr Norman Meyn joined the Company as a youth and obtained experience as a motor mechanic and tractor expert prior to his recent appointment to his present position. In charge of motor parts and accessories is Mr Neville Phillips, who also joined the Company as a boy. His important and exacting responsibilities are carried out most efficiently.

Company secretary, Mr Claude Kemble, joined the Company as an accountant in 1950, and has brought office routine and methods to a high standard of efficiency. His responsibilities include the complicated Ford accountancy and recently that company made him a presentation in recognition of him being the best Ford dealer accountant in W.A..

Until recently when war injuries necessitated him relinquishing work, Mr A. H. (Bert) Smith had been with the Company for many years and did excellent work in bulk store and timber yard.

When speaking at both the shareholders’ and staff functions, Mr Morrell paid tribute to the loyalty and co-operation of all staff members and said that the successful results had only been obtained by the excellent team work of the Company’s employees.

Throughout the entire fifty years, there has been little change in the Directorate of the Company. Those to hold office were: A. E. Piesse, Edmund Piesse, Harold Piesse, George McLeod, F. M. Gare, E. L. Holly, A. G. Purkiss, S. Hedges Dale, C. R. Garstone, A. J. Morrell, and during the past few years, Mrs E. S. R. Piesse, E. G. Thomas, and I. D. Thomas.

Chairman of Directors at various times were the first three, followed by S. Hedges Dale, and on his retirement in 1954, Mr A. J. Morrell. The first manager was T. W. Langley, who acted from 1907 until December 1911, when he resigned from the position to continue with the Company as auctioneer. Holcome was appointed in January 1912, but did not stay long and was followed by F. M. Gare, previously secretary, who held the position until his death in January, 1932. Mr A. J. Morrell succeeded Mr Gare and, three years later, was appointed manager. He held the position until his retirement in 1954.

The current Directorate of the Company is A. J. Morrell (chairman), Mrs E. S. R. Piesse, C. R. Garstone, E. G. Thomas and I. D. Thomas, and is supported by a competent staff. Executive members of the staff are: Manager Mr E. G. Thomas, who’s has been with the company for thirty-two years. Starting as a youth, he obtained all-round experience in the Company’s activities, with particular emphasis on insurance and dealership matters.

Assistant Manager, Mr I. D. Thomas, joined the Company twenty years ago after obtaining experience in the timber and building trade. He has been associated with various sections of the Company’s activities and now specialises on builders and contractors supplies.

Motor Sales Manager P. M. Taylor joined the Company thirteen years ago as an experienced car salesman. He was appointed to a management position in succession to E. G. Thomas in 1954. Service Manager Mr Norman Meyn joined the Company as a youth and obtained experience as a motor mechanic and tractor expert prior to his recent appointment to his present position. In charge of motor parts and accessories is Mr Neville Phillips, who also joined the Company as a boy. His important and exacting responsibilities are carried out most efficiently.

Company secretary, Mr Claude Kemble, joined the Company as an accountant in 1950, and has brought office routine and methods to a high standard of efficiency. His responsibilities include the complicated Ford accountancy and recently that company made him a presentation in recognition of him being the best Ford dealer accountant in W.A..

Until recently when war injuries necessitated him relinquishing work, Mr A. H. (Bert) Smith had been with the Company for many years and did excellent work in bulk store and timber yard.

When speaking at both the shareholders’ and staff functions, Mr Morrell paid tribute to the loyalty and co-operation of all staff members and said that the successful results had only been obtained by the excellent team work of the Company’s employees.

Expansion and the Future

Mr Morrell stated the Company had in recent years embarked on a progressive programme to expand and modernise its buildings. Part of this programme had been the establishment of new showrooms and motor service station at Kojonup, trading under the name of K.S.T. Auto Traders, which had been opened on December 6, 1955, with Mr E. Thornbury as manager. Premises in Katanning would be extended and modernised in due course. Despite the complexity of the present times, the Company was confident, it would continue on a sound and successful basis.

(The Service Centre at the rear of Katanning Stock & Trading Co was built in 1961.
The Car Yard and Showroom on the opposite side of Albion Street was built in 1977 – ed.)

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FIRST SHEEP SALE

Great Southern Herald
18 January, 1908

Katanning Trading Co.

The first stock sale was held on Thursday last in the new sale yards erected by the Katanning Stock and Trading Co., Ltd., and notwithstanding the fact that the yards are not completed, the conveniences provided where keenly appreciated by both buyers and sellers.

Katanning Stock & Trading Co’s first Sale at its new Sale Yards 16 January, 1908.
(The original Roman Catholic church can be seen in the left background – ed.)

A notable feature was the presence of buyers from Albany and other parts along the G.S.R., and in conversation with one of our staff the fact was elicited that several Albany butchers had been accustomed to send for a great proportion of their requirements to South Australia. This certainly should not be so, and they have given an assurance that if the new company will guarantee to have the stock at their yards they will be regular attendants, thus preventing thousands of pounds being sent out of the country.

Unfortunately, owing to the high wind that prevailed yesterday morning, and the fact that the water was not available until very late, the dust was rather unpleasant, but in conversation with Mr. T. W. Langley yesterday morning he assured us that the contract for gravelling the whole of the yards had been let, and, further, it is intended to water the whole of the yards thoroughly on the morning of the sales , thus preventing a repetition of Thursday’s dust.

THE FIRST KATANNING SALE RESULTS

KATANNING STOCK MARKET

Great Southern Herald
18 January, 1908

The Katanning Stock and Trading Co., report holding their first monthly stock sale on Thursday last (16 January, 1908).

There was an excellent yarding of sheep, and the sale was a success especially considering the time of the year. Over 1200 sheep were sold, and 10 head of cattle besides several other smaller lines such as sulkies, etc.

The lines sold were as follows:
28 forward stores, 13s 3d;
115 lambs, mixed, 9s;
314 ewes, mixed breed and ages, 14s 1d;
53 fat wethers, 17s;
300 lambs, 9s 11d;
85 fat lambs, 12s 2d;
240 fat wethers, 16s 6d;
149 mixed lambs (fair order), 8s 9d
30 inferior lambs, 7s;
10 head fat cattle, £7 17s 6d
In addition to the above sale the company report having sold privately:
400 Merino lambs (weaners), 10s 6d;
243 full-mouth merino ewes, 12s 6d;
100 crossbred ewes, 16s 6d;
143 culled ewes, 10s 6d;
9 Merino rams, ranging from £2 2s to £5 5s
and about 20 head of horses.

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80th ANNIVERSARY

THE KATANNING STOCK AND TRADING COMPANY

By Jennifer MacKenzie

If Archie Morrell had any doubts back in 1957 about the future of the Katanning Stock & Trading Company (K.S.T.), he need not have worried. With a zest to achieve the best possible results, the loyal and efficient staff have earned the business a reputation to be proud of.

The company has changed over the past eighty years, though not enough to lose the contemporary atmosphere that still floats around the old foundations. If the original members were to see K.S.T. now they would hardly recognise the physical appearance of the place. So many moves have taken place: building extensions, purchase of new land, renovations and departmental evolution manoeuvres have all been for the best.

In September 1958, newly purchased land in Albion Street underwent preparation for a new car yard display. A little later the following year similar plans for a car yard at the Kojonup branch were put into gear following agreement with the owner of a block of land behind the store to lease the rand £25. (£300.) per annum for a period of five years.) The new display yard on Albion Street was inspected by Ford Company officers and the praise voiced was very deserving; the yard being considered by the officers to be one of the best in the West Australian Dealer Organisation.

Various construction contracts boosted business for K.S.T. and the company was a major supplier of the required materials. In 196gr Katanning was to have a new courthouse and the building contractors became K.S.T’s clients. Incidentally, merchandise sales for the end of that financial year were up by 36 per cent and timber sales by 83 per cent compared to the previous year.

That year also saw the completion of plans for a new garage and service station over the right-of-way on Albion Street to replace the original workshop in the main building. After the go-ahead had been given by the Roads Board, materials were assembled, and construction began. The adjacent footpaths and roadways were improved too and, in due course, the whole workshop was transferred to the new building.

It was pleasing to note that 1962 showed an increase in Ford vehicle sales, which could be attributed to the new yard display.

In 1963 property expansion took place in Kojonup where the Bank of New South Wales had decided to dispose of their block of land adjoining the Stock & Trading Kojonup store. In the same year the timber yard received new racks to protect and store materials to ensure that they remained in top condition.

Another opportunity occurred for K.S.T. to expand in 1967. The G.S.R. Cordial factory on Albion Street was taken over by Coca-Cola Bottlers Pty. Ltd. and they decided to vacate these premises for a new site in Daping Street. K.S.T. wrote to Coca Cola regarding possession of the bottle yard situated on the west side of the right-of-way and facing Albion Street. By May 1969, K.S.T. had purchased the land for a sum of $5,400.

Construction of the Westos Freezing and Packing Company plant began in I970, and business boomed as K.S.T. was the major supplier of the hardware and building materials for the project. Merchandise and timber sales increased rapidly. May 1971 saw Westos Freezing and Packing Company selling the planned venture to Southern Meat Packers who were later acquired by Metro Meats. The project, along with high sales for K.S.T., continued. Construction and expansion of the business never ceased. In 1973 a corrugated iron shed was erected in the timber yard, opening onto the right-of-way for loading, to house supplies of asbestos. The new storage space in the old back shed meant that K.S.T. could plan the expansion of heavy hardware lines of stock and facilities there. This served well until 1975, when lots 12A and 13A opposite the garage on Albion Street were up for sale. After this purchase, K.S.T. erected a new vehicle showroom and parts department.

With new buildings to its credit, the company moved to keep the interiors up with the pace. 1978 saw new lino floor coverings, bright new lights, fresh paint and new ceilings in the main store on the corner of Albion Street and Austral Terrace. A couple of months later the ‘back shed’ stock and personnel were packed up and moved over to the timber yard.

In !980, opening tine became 7.00 am for the timber yard providing a service for tradesmen who could collect their materials before their day’s work began. The Ford parts department was also relocated in 1982 to the main building alongside the Uniparts shop.

Unfortunately, not all areas of business could be sustained successfully. In October, it was with regret that the hardware section and supply facilities at the Kojonup branch were closed. However, the car yard remained open under the supervision of Mr. Ernie. W. Thornbury.

As many people know, K.S.T. provided a variety of goods and services to Katanning and the surrounding districts for over eighty years, and quite a number of agencies have come and gone over that period of time.

Australian galvanised corrugated iron became available for the first time in many years in 1957 and K.S.T. made it their priority to supply it. At this time business brought smiles all round as returns from the farming community were high. In February of 1960, K.S.T. became the agents for Barrow-Linton, a company producing drenches, sheep dips and chemicals. The Katanning branch accepted the agency of Western Livestock Limited in 1969. However, by 1971 it had decided to set up its own office in Katanning and the agency was terminated. In 1971 K.S.T. became the sole dealers of Homestead Hardware in the district and the front of the shop was painted with a new design to advertise the new agency.

Early I972 brought the introduction of stud cattle sales to the community and Katanning was to become a major selling centre outside of the Metropolitan area, Great publicity and great news for the businesses of Katanning at that time, especially a hardware store such as K.S.T. All cattle selling ceased in Katanning following the disastrous collapse of beef prices in 1973/74.

The service department of K.S.T. adopted the Girlock Clutch and Brake Reconditioning Service in 1974, and in the same year a spray painting booth was completed, providing more convenience and efficiency. Unfortunately, not all agencies could be maintained indefinitely and K.S.T. had to resign from the Homestead Hardware group in 1978.

Bicycles and bicycle repairs were re-introduced to the store in 1980, and on the 25th September in the same year, the City Building Society (later merged with the Perth Building Society) was opened. After two years the agency was terminated, but a replacement was to be provided by the commencement of the Home Building Society in Kojonup in 1983, and in Katanning in 1984. Towards the end of 1982, the Toyota agency was offered to the Company and after careful consideration the offer was accepted.

The agencies mentioned were all acquired to provide services to the public, gaining K.S.T. many satisfied customers and a renowned name in business. No doubt, with the same continued access to these services, K.S.T. remained an outstanding provider for the whole community.

In 1987, Katanning Stock & Trading celebrated its birthday, marking the eightieth successful year of business with much to the credit of the firm and the support of a multitude of regular customers. Staff have played an important role over the past eighty years, and most have earned the credit, and deserve the praise, for building the company to the position it has reached today. It is well worth recalling the high standards of competency amongst staff, but it is impossible to mention all members who have made valuable contributions. There are two men however who have made outstanding contributions to K.S.T., both in length of service and ability. They are the Thomas brothers, Eric and Ivan.

Eric joined the staff as an office and shop junior, at the age of 14, in 1925 for the sum of I0/- per week. In a career spanning 50 years he saw the tough times of the 1930s depression, became a shareholder in 1942 (on the eve of two and a half years war service with the R.A.A.F.), was appointed Sales Manager on his return in 1945, became one of five directors in 1949, general manager in 1954 and chairman of directors in I972. His drive and personality built the Ford dealership to one of the best in W.A. and steered K.S.T. to many years of prosperity. He retired in 1975.

Ivan began his career with K.S.T. in 1937, at the age of 22, as manager of the hardware and parts department. He too saw service with the R.A.A.F. and on his return was promoted to assistant manager. In 1952, he became a member of the board of directors and was appointed managing director in 1975, following Eric’s retirement. Ivan was a specialist adviser, draftsman and quantity surveyor to the building industry of Katanning and surrounding districts, and his quiet friendly personality and skills ensured K.S.T.’s place as a major supplier of building materials and tools. He retired in 1979, after 42 years of service.

Following in tradition Ivan has been succeeded by Mr. Martin Van Koldenhoven who has already, in 1987, been 29 years with the company.

On 17th March 1958, the company was awarded the Ford Rural Dealership award for workshop and general efficiency and, no doubt, this typified the reason why, in October 1959, the Ford division’s nett result was the best in all its fifty years of operation. This efficiency over the whole operation is why, in times of rural downturn and recession which affect businesses everywhere, K.S.T. manages to hold out well.

The updating of office and workshop machinery aided in achieving the best possible results for the company. For an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Ford executive schools which started in 1964, honed their skills. In the same year Mr. Phillip M. Taylor was elected to the position of chairman of the W.A. Ford Tractor Dealer Council for the second year in succession. Ford invited him to attend a conference in New York which would constitute part of a world tour – who said life was all work and no play! Ford sales in 1970 were many, thanks to K.S.T.’s sales team. The Ford sales penetration for May alone was 34 per cent of the total market, topping the nearest competitor’s percentage of 28 per cent. July showed yet more improvement when the Ford sales in the district were 35.13 per cent of total sales. However, December of the same year produced a very depressing picture: wool prices were extremely low, and along with the introduction of wheat quotas, the whole community experienced a decline in rural income. The recession was felt throughout the state but K.S.T. was holding its own in vehicle sales. The rural penetration by K.S.T. proved per centage wiser than in the metropolitan area; great work from the sales team!

More recently in 1985, it was gratifying to note that over the previous two years association with Toyota, two hundred and four vehicles were delivered, gaining market leadership for Toyota in the district. The company was awarded the Service Excellence award for 1984 and were also awarded several parts sales awards throughout that year.

When men and women have joined the K.S.T. sales team, they have really liked to stick around – not just a month or two either. Many people have spent a major percentage of their working years with K.S.T. If I were to list all members of the staff who had worked for K.S.T. for ten years or more you would be overwhelmed at how long that list would be. To have stayed at least twenty years with the company seems almost commonplace. That in itself should be a great indication of the K.S.T. system where staff work side by side cohesively to achieve the best results for their company and to make the hours they spend with each other enjoyable and fulfilling. Regular customers can always be guaranteed a laugh when at Stocko’s and for casual customers it is well worth the trip just to investigate the current changes and to meet and negotiate with the friendly and co-operative staff.

Work hasn’t always been a grinding toil. K.S.T. has had some fun and games along the way too. I won’t mention any names when I report the one about the pipe; it’s a beauty! It was the poor victim’s own fault really, for leaving his beloved mouthpiece out of sight and unattended. Mischievous hands worked to remove the pipe’s contents with a bit of knocking and bashing and then proceeded to replace the contents with a substitute resembling tobacco in appearance only – canite! The results were enough to choke on, as did the unsuspecting man who had the unfortunate experience. I’m not sure whether he held on to his pipe permanently thereafter or threw it away altogether.

Punctuality has given cause for amusing controversy. For instance, an employee – who shall remain anonymous – insisted on arriving at work between 9.30 and I0.00 (instead of 9.00am). Jokingly, his senior remarked to him one morning as he arrived half an hour late and still groggy from sleep, “why don’t you take the rest of the day off go back to bed?”. So he did!

Ever noticed the bullet holes through the top window of the hardware department and the one grazing the wall? The toll of a violent shoot-out when masked criminals attenpted to rob the bank – no, no! Just joking. If you really want to know what happened, listen to the Hanna’s argue over who was responsible for demonstrating the practical use of an air rifle. What a way to make a sale!

For some, it takes time to become accustomed to so many parts and accessories. Nerves for a newcomer may have contributed to this one. A customer placed his purchase on the counter and asked for it to be entered in the debit book. The assistant, with a trembling hand, examined the article, entered it, and asking for the customers signature, faced a very embarrassing moment. With a grin of unbelievement and amusement, the customer scrubbed out the word ‘doorknob’ and replaced them with ‘tow ball.’ As he walked out laughing, the assistant crawled into a corner and tried to die quietly. The assistant has since recovered and has learned to keep the nerves at bay.

The Stocko’s gang have had a real knack for keeping things in the family. In the past, the names have been very repetitious: two Tanner’s, two Hanna’s, three Sugg’s, three Beaton’s, numerous Thomas’s, three Justin’s two Phillip’s, two Wilson’s, three Meyn’s, three Garretson’s, two Smith’s, two Collin’s, two Lang’s, two McMahon’s, two Philpot’s, two Day’s, two Quartermaine’s, two Marris’s, two Williams’, two Wyllie’s, two Hoglin’s, two Blyth’s two Van Zyle’s, a number of Piesse’s. When you happen to mention someone, make sure you state a Christian name! Only a very small handful amongst the abovementioned were no relation to one another.

As you have read and no doubt seen through your own inspection, Katanning Stock & Trading Co can stand on its own feet through merit alone. A company that has been in business for as long as what K.S.T. has does not need to have glossy commercials and high powered ads. Top service is guaranteed and that is the best advertisement of all. Katanning is the company’s home, its provider and friend, and K.S.T. tries its best to be all of these in return.

I need say no more about K.S.T. The Bicentennial year is one that we all will pay tribute to, an anniversary that truly marked the time to reflect on the fortunate along with the unfortunate’ the hardships along with prosperity; a time to congratulate and be proud as Australian citizens who have worked hard and wilIingly to build upon a bronze, isolated landscape a beautiful, fruitful country.

Katanning Stock & Trading Company today (October 2024)

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