Forgetful Trippers

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 53, 25 May 1927, Page 13

Forgetful Trippers

UNCLAIMED LUGGAGE ON AUCKLAND WATER FRONT FOUND NEW OWNERS TO-DAY AFTER KEEN BIDDING. CARELESS NEW ZEALANDERS It is extraordinary how forgetful some sea travellers are. Deck chairs seem to cause them no concern. It was revealed at the sale of unclaimed luggage by the Auckland Harbour Board to-day that the majority of these negligent trippers left their deck chairs on New Zealand boats. They appear to be more careful on the Home and Australian steamers. There were deck chairs to be had of every conceivable shape and size. Some of them were brand new. Others did not bring bids of a shilling when offered. The ruling prices, however, was half-a-crown, except in the case of padded chairs. They brought as much as 7s 6d, and even 9s. HINDU BARGAIN HUNTERS The itinerant Hindu bargain hunter was early on the scene in Shed 14, Queen’s Wharf. One or two Chinese likewise watched the proceedings through half closed Celestial eyes. One solitary Maori represented his race. The possibility of a bargain, and the expectation of opening a mysterious package sent from No-one-Knows to No-one-Cares-Where, attracted a considerable gathering of Europeans. The collection of goods was an accumulation extending over 12 months. Money seemed to be a little more plentiful than of late. Bidding was fairly free. There were no bids for a wicker bassinette, however, that a forgetful mother had left on an Auck-land-bouncl vessel./ A hall-stand and mirror which some Aucklander failed to claim realised 16s. There was keen bidding for a sack of almonds, upon which no duty was payable. The bag found an owner at 13s. CALL OF THE ORIENT Likewise for a Chinese-matting basket. It seemed imbued with all the mystery of the East. Precisely what it contained no one knew, nevertheless, bidding was spirited, and this merchandise of the Orient realised 12s 6d. For a tin trunk which the Aorangi brought to New Zealand £2 was the sum realised. A large box which arrived in Auckland ex the Ulimaroa, was sold for 10s. A dress-basket ex the Waimarino, was knocked down for 7s. An iron tank was sold for 3s —a bargain for someone! An old-fashioned leather bag brought precisely Is 6d. A new suitcase went for 14s. “Is it leather?” the auctioneer was asked. “If it was, sir,” replied the official, “it would cost you exactly £7!”