THE SELLER SOLD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2333, 8 September 1880, Page 3

THE SELLER SOLD.

“The Northern Argus,” a paper puplished at Rockhamtou in Queensland tells an amusing incident of a “Bruce Auction” held in aid of the building fund of St. Paul’s Church. Our contemporary says ; —“ A funny episode occurred that is worth mentioning. The room was tolerably well filled, and the collection of articles of all kinds grouped together gave it very much the appearance of a fancy shop. Mr G. S. Curtis acted as auctioneer, and managed to get very good prices for most of the lots. Considerable amusement was caused when he announced that Mr William Pattison, who had just entered the room offered ‘ by way of putting a little more life into the thing,’ to sell thc_ top coat ho was then wearing. Amid much laughter Mr Pattison started the bidding at half-a-sovercigu, and very quickly the bids reached a guinea, when there was a pause. ‘Go ahead, gentlemen,’ shouted the auctioneer, ‘he’s not likely to part with his coat such a night as this under a liver.’ ‘ Mind, it’s cash on the nail,’ said the wearer of the coat, and again the bids were made by sixpences till 25s was reached, at which price the ‘ upper Benjamin’ was knocked down, amid considerable ebeers for Mr Pattison. ‘Oh, don’t (hank me,’cried the latter; ‘ don’t thank me, it’s Curtis’s coat you have been buying !’ and so it turned out. Mr Pattison bad found the auctioneer’s flowing mantle lying about, put it on, and started the owner on a trip to sell his own clothes When the‘sell’ was disclosed, the laughter was loud and prolonged, and it took Mr Curtis a little time to realise the situation.‘,