SALE OF A COMIC SINGER!

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 272, 1 June 1866, Page 3

SALE OF A COMIC SINGER !

Ori Friday afternoon, a novel sale, by the public auction, took place within the rooms of Messrs Hutchison & Dixon,> West Nile Street, Glasgow. For several days placards may have been observed in the city announcing the' coming sale of the services of Mr James Taylor, described as " The Champion Comic of Great Britian." On certain conditions Mr Taylor proffered his services for four months, from November next, to the highset bidder, engaging to sing twice every lawful evening in any establishment, and in any town to which he might be sent. The novelty of the affair doubtless excited a good deal of curiosity amongst Mr Taylor's professional brethren in the city, who on Friday sfternoon crowded into "The Mart," as the hour of sale approached, At five o'clock Mr Hutchison moved himself into a chair which was placed on top of the table, and was soon afterwards supported on the right by Mr Taylor, from whom similar accommodtaion in this elevated position had been provided. The gentleman who were expected to become bidders stood or were seated in front of the auctioneer. Many of them were smoking cigars, and array of champagne classes which studded a green baize- covered table gave a promise of pleasures yet to come. Mr Hutchison opened the proceedings by explaining the circumstances under which he came to occupy the chair ; but before advancing to the real business of the day he caused the champagne to be handed round, while the company smoked and chatted, chaffed Mr Taylor in a quiet way, and quaffed liis health with fraternal favour. Thus comfortably circumstanced, the bidding began. The first offer made was £100, immediatly increased to £110 ; but it was evident that this was intended merely as a start, because the bidding went up with a rush through all the intermediate tens till £230 was reached. Offers were now advanced more cautiously ; and when £315 was gained.the bidders became so shy that a cunning suggestion was made that some more champagne bottles should be uncorked. The hint was acted upon, and the sparkling beverage again went round. After a brief interval, and what seemed a greatful refresher, Mr Hutchison again went to work, but it appeared still to be a stiff up-hill struggle with him. . At £325 the " last call " was threatened by the auctioneer ; but two additional bids were faintly ventured upon, and- at £335 the services for four calender months of " the Champion Comic " were secured on behalf of the proprietor of the Whitebait Concert Eooms. The bidding, as it seemed, was confined to one or two gentlemen representing the proprietors of concert rooms in the city. Alter being knocked down, Mr Taylor sprang up with characteric alertness to thank the company for their patronage, and, descending from his perch, was lost amongst the crowd. — S irling Journal, March 2.