DEPARTMENTAL HARVEST

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 95, 13 July 1927, Page 13

DEPARTMENTAL HARVEST

“Going. Going . . . “Eleven shillings!” came a bid from an obvious recent arrival from the Homeland. “Give it to him!” said the auctioneer. THE old dress basket certainly had A little to recommend it. There were others at the Railway Department’s sale in Auckland this morning - decidedly more attractive. “Whatever did you get it for, Jim?” remonstrated his wife. “Did you think I aam a goin’ to stauy ’ere all daay?” replied the husband. “Aa cooni ’ere to buy!” The old Maori who leaned over the crowded rail and occupied enough space for three ordinary persons, moved slightly, adjusted the gum in the corner of her mouth, and continued to chew’.

“A LADY’S TROUSSEAU” Neither was the woman’s temper improved when a facetious porter remarked as he handed over the object of her scorn: “A lady’s trousseau iu this, Madame. Certain of it. The lady died on the way to Rotter-rew r er! ” Mr. and Mrs. Yorkshire, accompanied by their son and heir, eagerly demanding to know “did Daad bought it.” moved to a quiet corner and opened the dress-basket. A nightgown, several shirts, a comb and brush, a passport, a tartancoloured tie and several books rather tended to increase the ire of Mrs. Yorkshire than diminish it. There were others more fortunate. Bargains were to be had. Cash was plentiful. The auctioneer was inundated with bids. The speculative dealer was there in full force, and the contents of many an unopened case w r ent to decorate the interior of a second-hand shop. A good leather suitcase brought as much as £2 ss. Others, not quite so prepossessing, sold for £l. Tin trunks changed hands for a few* shillings. A kit-bag which had been landed on Anzac Beach wrent for 14s. A leather valise, in excellent condition, was sold for a shilling more. MUSIC FOR ORAKEI There was little difficulty in disposing of musical instruments. A steel guitar was sold to a Maori for 32s 6d. Another native bought a mandolin for 15s. “There will be music in the Orakei pa to-night,” announced the auctioneer, amidst laughter. An old side-saddle, once the pride of some fair equestrienne, brought exactly three shillings, despite the injunction that “the leather was worth more than that.” “Go on the land! That is what Mr. Coates would say to you,” said the auctioneer as he held a bundle of slashers for inspection. Ten shillings w r as the purchase price of the lot. Bidding was decidedly spirited for a duchess chest. It was finally knocked down for £5 ss. And so the sale went on. No lot was “passed in.” A gamble, maybe, but then the sale-going public loves a gamble.