STREET STANDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1924, Page 3

STREET STANDS.

A HINDU MONOPOLY. AY ELLINGTON. July 7. Every quarter it is the duty of the Chief Inspector, Air L. S. .Drake, to sell by auction tbe right to occupy the street fruit stands of the city, which are only applied for as a ride by Hindu residents. This afternoon the rights for the July-Septemher quarter were sold in the usual way, fifteen stands realising £241 2s fid. as against £147 13s for the corresponding quarter last year. The bidding was spirited.

About thirty Hindus were in attendance and, on the. surface, they were a quiet, smiling lot who seemed to lie on the best of terms one with the other. It was the bidding which showed that there was something more than met the eye. AYhon it came to the sale of the Bowen Street stand bidding commenced at £1 Ids. and rose at one bid to £lO and then at another to £3O. and was finally knocked down at £53 5s a weekly rental of <M 2s for a hack street corner.

When the next stand near the dispatch office at bambino Quay was put up there was another thrill, tor tile liidiling jumped from £5 to £3o in one bid, then to £lO and £ls. and was finally knocked down at L'nl 10s; just alxint £4 per week rental. The last stand at Rintonl Street did not induce a bid. "Keep it for the council” was the advice given liv one native of Bombay.

Seeking some light on the subject of street commerce, a reporter approached one of the Hindus.

“|)o all these stands pay at these prices?'' was asked. "I’avl- No. not many Too high Indian against Indian; too much all time no good. AA inter cold. ’

In reply to further questions, he sjiid; ‘ Last time f pay £5 10s lor A'ivian Street and make nothing; just loeviiig. No 'penny profit. UndiaiH agonist Indian. They buy not to make money but to keep other fellow out. Seven castes, yet all come from Bombay. Giijerct. it is so silly.’ mil lie spat to show what he thought of the follv of his countrymen.