The Wiltshire's Cargo

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1922, Page 4

The Wiltshire's Cargo

A I'CTION SALK AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, Juno 13,

There wiis soino keen bidding when :i quantity of goods forming a portion of the cargo from the Wiltshire unshod U)) on Knitoko hearli was ollVrod at auc.tion, and while a nundior of bargains wore .scoured hv a few lucky purchasers, the prices realised on the whole wore beyond expectations. The goods ofTored consisted mainly of oils and varnishes, and all wore sold without reserve, buyers, however, being required to pay wharfage at th,. rate of 2s fid per. 1011, while Customs officers were present to assess and collect duty on articles. No cigarettes or tobacco were sold, as it. was announced that the buyers of such goods would lie required to pay full duly on invoice prices. These goods were therefore withdrawn, and it is understood that the owners will recondition them and dispose of them through the ordinary channels.

iA ease consigned to a bank manager in (lie South Island was the source of considerable speculation, and it was not until it was opened and the zinc lining ripped off the contents that it was seen I hut the b nkor had imported 2d half gallon liottlos of “stone ginger essence.” This liquid is subject to a duly of 32s per gallon. .It was knocked down nt 1 Is per bottle. A canteen of good quality cutlery caught the attention of some keen buyers, and when the price had been run up to C 7. there was a dispute as to who bad made the fast bill, and the auction eer decided to put the ease up for sale again. The price eventually paid was £27. and when • the owner opened up his prize he found that the oak ease had literally fallen to pieces as the result of its immersion in the sea, but most of the contents were in good order. Thd table knives were of the stainless variety, and the silver was only slightly discoloured, but the carvers were badly rusted. ,

There wore -several eases of chloroform. but buyers fought sky of this at first fearing that the glass containers might not be in good order, and the crowd in consequence gave the spirit wide berth. On being opened however, it was found flint the anaesthetic was in small bottles, and these sold at from Is (o 2s fid each.