HOW I EARNED MY FIRST £1.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 290, 7 December 1932, Page 18

HOW I EARNED MY FIRST £1.

(By Stephen Heath, 30, Grove Road, Sand- ■ ringliam,. Auckland.) It was early in the month of August, 1929, when I carried out a most successful business venture. This came about through my being keen on the idea of earning a few shillings from one of my hobbies. I was particularly interested in gardening. This was due to my father having always given me the .greatest encouragement and help in this pastime. I would always work with father in the garden.

ISo the day arrived when I made a start to carry out the scheme. Firstly I asked father if he would allow me to use a portion of tte ground for potato growing, and he agreed to give, me a good patch. '•

Without delay I got to work. In a few hours the ground was ready for the planting of potatoes. But what about tli© potatoes? I had no money to buy them. I did not want father to buy them, as I wished to do everything myeelf.

Suddenly I.thought of a plan. I would call on our grocer, who might have some potatoes which he «>uld not sell. So away I went with my trolley. Very shortly afterwards I arrived %t the store. On entering the shop, the grocer called out: "Hello, Stephen! You are just the iboy I want. Will you sort out some potatoes for me? Pick out all the good ones, then throw the sprouting ones on the rubbish-heap." My word, didn't this please me. I could see a fine lot of potatoes for my garden —and just the kind I wanted. And how wonderful for this to happen at euch a time.

I soon finished the job. The-grocer was very pleased and offered me a shilling. But I asked if I could have the sprouting potatoes instead. Not only did the grocer give me the potatoes, but he said I could keep the shilling as well. I was delighted, so away "i went with over 401b of lovely seed-potatoee. I was the happiest boy in the district that day. The potatoes were soon planted. In a very few days time shoots were showing above the ground: Nbt • many weeks after the potatoes were ready; and just at the time when they were selling at 4d and 5d per lb. I took advantage of the opportunity and canvassed friends and neighbours. Potatoes sold readily, and 'before many days I had earned my firet £1.