WRECK OF THE WILTSHIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1922, Page 2

WRECK OF THE WILTSHIRE.

FLOTSAM SOLD BY AUCTION. GOOD PRICES REALISED. There was some keen bidding at Auckland the other day when a quantity, of goods forming a portion of the cargo from the Wiltshire washed up on the Kaitoke beach was offered at auction, and while a number of bargains were secured by a few lucky purchasers the prices realised on the whole were beyond expectations. A large number of expectant buyers gathered in the large shed on the Centra) Wharf, among them a fair sprinkling of men, but as it soon became apparent that the salvage did not include anything in the nature of fancy or soft goods they lost interest in the proceedings at an early stage. The goods offered consisted mainly of oils and varnishes, and all were sold without reserve, buyers, however, being required to pay wharfage at the rat© of 2s 6d per ton, while customs officers were present to assess and collect duty on the various articles. Contrary to expectations no cigarettes or tobacco were sold, as it was announced that buyers of such goods would be required to pay full duty on the invoice prices. These goods were therefore withdrawn and it is understood that the owners will recondition them and dispose of them through the ordinary channels. was brisk competition for a number of barrels of lubricating oil, ea,ch containing 40 gallons, the first lot going for 6s per gallon. The price touched ’ds 6d per gallon at one stage, but subsequently fell as low as 3s. It was stated by dealers that this oil, which carries 6d per gallon duty, sells ordinarily at 4s 6d per gallon. Three 2cwt. barrels of bitumen sold at 32s 6d each, while 33 cases of metal polish fell to the Auckland Fire Brigade at 21s per case, each Case containing two dozen ’ tins.' Thirty-two cases of lysol, each containing six dozen 4oz. bottles, were keenly sought after, and realised 27s 6d per case. A number of cases, each with six dozen tins of varnish, were disposed of at £4 5s each, and sarking felt was bought at 6s 6d per roll.

A case consigned to the manager of a branch of the Bank of New Zealand in the South Island, was the source of a good deal of speculation, and it was not until it was opened and the zinc lining ripped off the contents that it was seen that the banker had imported <24 half-gallon bottles of ‘-‘stone ginger essence.” This liquid, subject to a duty of 32s pel - gallon, was knocked down at Ils per bottle. The canteen of good quality cutlery caught the attention of some keen buyers/ and when the price had been run up to £7 there was a dispute as to who had made the last bid, and the auctioneer decided to put the case up for sale again. The price eventually paid was £27, and when the owner opened up his prize he found that the oak case had literally fallen to pieces as the result of immersion in the sea, but most of the contents were in good order. The table knives were of the stainless variety, and the silver only slightly discolored, but the carvers were badly rusted.

A case of fountain pen ink brought £B. There were several cases of chloroform, but buyers fought shy. of this at first, fearing that the glass containers might not be in good order, and the crowd in consequence gave the spirit a wide berth. On being opened up, however, it. was found that the anaesthetic was in small bottles, and these sold at from Is to 2s 6d each.