(TO THE EDITOR "GUARDIEN.")

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9657, 14 July 1919, Page 7

(TO THE EDITOR "GUARDIEN.")

Sir, —While various correspondents are dealing with the serious aspect of the housing problem in Asliburton, I would like to touch upon the humoroiis aspect following in the wake oi; this prosperous business. It will be readily conceded that to be a successful seller of houses one requires some ability; but to also undertake the role of consoling the tenant after you have dragged your clients—and their muddy boots —all over his,, carpets, requires more than the average ability and nerve. One resident engaged in this line of business must take the biscuit for being an expert. After a sale has been made, with sorrowful look, practically amounting to funereal, ho pours out his tale of sympathy to the good housewife, the said story having been brought near the region of perfection through being told so often. By way of rounding it off systematically, he rarely fails to ask the lady "if she> wants to sell her fowls, or whether she will be taking the household cat with her when she shifts." Several of the good ladies of the hoiise have been exchanging their experiences of . late, with the result that now, wlien they meet in the street, they generally greet each other with: " Do you want to sell your fowls, Mrs p'jj MOULTING.