PATRIOTIC POTATOES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2408, 13 March 1915, Page 10

PATRIOTIC POTATOES

SALE REALISES £17 55., . The scheme of tlie Newtown School Committee and children to plant potatoes last year for the good of King and country bore ' fruit yesterday. Rather less than three-quarters of an aero of arable Town Belt near the school was planted, and from that patch 49 sacks (of varying size) of potatoes were dug up by tho children, assisted by corporation labour. The potatoes were generally of a. fair Bize, and had it not been for the exceeding _ dry summer would certainly have qualified for prime quality. Yesterday afternoon in the schoolground tho potatoes were sold at auction by Mr. James Doyle, who, before he commenced the sale, referred to the admirable spirit which had i prompted the children to grow the potatoes, and said that he hoped the bidding would be spirited, as the whole of the proceeds were to go to the Mayor's Distress Fund. After a little bidding the first bag was knocked down to the headmaster of the school, Mr. H. A. Parkinson, for 10s., which was the top price paid. The total sale realised the sum of £17 65., which worked out. at an average of about 7s. per bag, which was considered fairly- satisfactory. A canary, the gift of Florrie Power (a scholar) was also sold by auction in aid of the same fund. It was first of all sold for 6s. 6d., and after being handed back was bought for 7s. 6d. by Miss Hayes. At the conclusion of the sale Mr. Parkitispn, on behalf of . the committee and school, thanked Mr. Doyle for the excellent manner in which he had conducted the sak