Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Hay River (Nov 26/01) - The last chapter in a $3 million government boondoggle was written Nov. 17, with the auctioning of equipment used to slaughter and process animals.

The plug was pulled in 1998 on an 18-month old abattoir in Hay River, amid criticism the government-funded company, in an effort to create an agriculture industry, gave up too soon. It consumed $20,000 a month in government subsidies.

The abattoir building was sold last year for $300,000. Hay River Reserve Chief Pat Martel is listed as the only director of 4604 Northwest Territories Ltd., a numbered company which owns a lot the building is on. It's being converted to a grocery store.

"I hate to see it end this way," Hay River North MLA Paul Delorey said at the weekend sell-off.

In a packed warehouse, auctioneer Robert Bouchard got the best prices he could for equipment estimated by Paul Weidrick of RWED to be worth about $150,000. He said most of the equipment was purchased used in the first place.

Everything from meathooks to giant cooking pots were on the block. When it was in business, the deluxe facility was capable of processing fish, game, cattle and pigs.

Hay River butcher Craig Boyer bought two meat grinders for $500 each.

He says they're worth about $2,000 each. He also picked up a smoker.

Boyer worked for years as a butcher for others, and plans to open his own business.

"I still need more stuff," he said, like sausage and vacuum-packing machines.

Others reported picking up items for about half their value. Buffalo Joe McBryan picked up $2,500 sets of measuring calipers at the auction -- for $380.

"We'll use these in the aviation school," he said.