IN A PARIS PAWNSHOP.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 50, 27 February 1909, Page 15

IN A PARIS PAWNSHOP.

EQUALITY WITHOUT FRATERNITY. The "niont-de-plete," as the French equivalent of the pawnshop Is called, Iβ a State institution. Consequently, there Is no friendly communion between the lender and the client. There is no "private office" where the person temporarily embarrassed for money may screen himself from inquisitive eyes. If you are in want of money, and you have any portable property of the value of three francs or more, you take it to the nearest branch office of the "mont-de-plete." The first thing that meets your gaze is a "Guard Municipal" patrolling up and down the pavement outside the entrance. With a feeling of wholesome respect for the majesty of the law, you now enter a large room, of wJiich one side l s occupied by benches (very hard and uncomfortable ones), and the other by half-a-dozen employees behind a counter. Having handed your property to a clerk whose desk bears the Inscription "Reception of Articles," you receive a numbeied metal check in exchange, and then join in the ranks of the expectant borowers ?>n the benches. BRINGS HER JEWELS. There are all sorts of conditions of men and women, from the workgirl who brings her Sunday hat to the great lady who brings her jewels, and whose motor car is waiting in the street. But if there is no "fraternity" in the "mont-de-piete," there is at least "equality," and no precedence ls given to wealth or fashion. When the value of your property has been estimated in another room, a clerk calls out your number and the amount offered, which you enn accept or refuse. It ls never more than half the lowest selling price of the object, Kβ the vainer Is responsible for any loss arising from unredeemed p'.edgoe. If you accept his offer, your name, address, and profession are taken down by another clerk, and you must produce pnpoie to establish your identity. Too interest abargeS Iα only 7 per oent, per annum, and there la no ilonbt that the State pawuKhopH render great nnrrices to all elaisee of Freuoh peepla, - — M.M,