SALE OF BIG PUMP PROPERTY.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3427, 16 December 1879, Page 2

SALE OF BIG PUMP PROPERTY.

SCENE AT TSS SALE.

Mr Wm. Carpenter this morning offered the winding-engine and boilers on the freehold section, Kauaeranga E, JNo. 4.

There was a fjood attendance, including Messrs Comer, Walker, James, and other mine managers < Brodie, Brown, Deeble, Thorburn, Hollis, Aitken, of the County Council; the Mayor, Messrs Ehrenfried and McGowan, of the Borough; and a large number of the general public.

The Auctioneer read his instructions, ttxtracts from the deeds, and the conditions of sale.

At this stage the Mayor said—Mr Carpenter, notwithstanding your state* ments of the authority to dispose of this property, on behalf of the Borough and this community, I protest against this sale. Ido it altogether in the interests of the public. Mr B. Miller asked if the County Council would guarantee a title to the purchaser. Mr Carpenter explained the nature of title held by the Council, apd which he considered an indisputable one. The auctioneer then asked for bids, and Col. Fra*er offered £200, which by tori pound bidt soon reached £300, offered by Mr A. Price. The amount was further increased to £400, afc which it remained for some time. The auctioneer stated hit reserre was £500, and unless he received an offer abore that, he must withdraw the property. No offer being forthcoming, the sale closed.

Many persons present considered the reserve too much, leaving out the question of title. % Mr Brown offered £300 cash, taking the risk of title.

Mr Brodie said the County would guarantee a title for the £500. After some further remarks, the assemblage dispersed. An advertisement in another column announces the unreserved sale of the property, as also the Big Pump.