LOST LUGGAGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 711, 10 July 1929, Page 1

LOST LUGGAGE

BEER, CRUTCHES AND SWAGS RAILWAY AUCTION SALE To anyone in need of a keg of beer, a pair of crutches, a marquee, or an umbrella this morning the Railway Department's French Street goods shed was the place to get it. Under the direction of Messrs. Robert Carr and Son an auction sale of lost and unclaimed luggage was held and, as usual, attracted a large attendance. Bidding for boxes, presumably empty, for the sake of what they might contain, seems to possess a certain fascination for many people. This was reflected in the bidding this morning which rarely lagged no matter what was offered. Umbrellas, overcoats, hats and swags comprised the bulk of the offering. Occupying pride of place was a 10-gallon keg of beer which, according to one sceptic must have been empty. “Nobody loses 10 gallons of beer.” he observed moodily. A large pile of crutches was also included in the sale. That their owners had no further use for them after arriving at Auckland can possibly be taken as testimony of Auckland’s health-giving climate. The contents of the boxes covered a wide range. For two shillings one could secure two dozen bottles of hair oil or an assorted quantity of garden seeds sufficient to keep one in vegetables for a lifetime. A very interested bidder was a man who bid £2 for a marquee, remarking loudly that the marquee was useless but he wanted the pole. It occurred to one or two that he protested overmuch, and the bidding immediately took a new lease of life.

Whether or not people had any real use for the articles they purchased it is hard to say, but all appeared satisfied, particularly the auctioneer.