HOARDED MONEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVX, Issue 268, 12 November 1934, Page 5

HOARDED MONEY.

REVEALED IN FIRE.

OLD SHOPKEEPER'S SAVINGS

THOUSANDS OP POUNDS.

Buckets of gold, silver and copper coins, bundles of notes of many denominations and valuable jewellery, estimated to be worth thousands of pounds, were revealed when a fire gutted the mixed store of James R. Hunt, in Elswick Street, Leichhardt, Sydney, last week. Sovereigns found total 800, while notes amount to £3000. The coins and notes, in smouldering bags, were revealed by firemen as they fought the flames in the main shop. Under the seats of chairs, in drawers, and under the bed, more gleaming gold and silver came to light, along with diamond rings, watches and other jewellery. The silver included many English coins, while practically every denomination of note was represented. The diamond rings and brooches alone were estimated to be worth hundreds of pounds. The copper and silver filled two buckets. Raking Coins from Ruins. Tins and bottles of methylated spirit and kerosene, with a few fireworks, exploded during the fight, adding to the difficulties of the firemen. For a long time after the flames had been quelled, firemen were busy raking coins from among the ashes. As they were found they were placed in buckets, and charred drawers from a chest of draws. Mr. Hunt, who had lived in the store for 35 years, said the money represented his life's savings. He had always thought they would be safer in his care than at a bank. Ruins Raided for "Sovereigns." Having- heard of the jewellery, sovereigns and other money which the shop had contained, a crowd ear.ly irvxt day gathered around the fire-charred skeleton of the building. Finding no one

on guard except the diminutive and bent figure of the old shopkeeper, who was feverishly digging in the ashes for more of his valuables, the gold seekers clambered in, and, with bare hands, began aifting the wreckage of furniture, glass, toys, lollies and other goods. Mr. Hunt immediately called the police, but, it is stated, before their arrival two of the fossickcrs made rich finds. One is reported to have found a half pickle bottle, which, eye-witnesses stated, contained between 20 and 30 sovereigns, while another found a ruby ring. Children returned to their homes laden with toy guns, motor cars and other metal toys. Mr. Hunt Buys Lottery Ticket. To celebrate his good fortune in retrieving most of his savings, worth thousands of pounds. Mr. Hunt bought a lottery ticket. The money for the ticket was made up of coins saved from

the fire. Mr. Hurt asked that the ticket be named "Gold Fire." He stated that if the ticket were successful Constable Mitchell, who has acted as esoort in removing the money to the bank, and Constables Thorsby and Snow, who watched the premises after the fire, would share with him. Subsequently three billy cans containing silver', a small bag of silver, and" a sugar bag half full of copper coins were taken to the bank. The latest police estimate of the wealth revealed is much more than at ■first thought. A second batch of sovereigns found brought the total to over SOo! The bundles of notes, some mouldencrusted, are said to amount to £3000. Mrs. Hunt died three years ago. Shortly after her death a bundle of notes "was found in a heap of rubbish that was about to be destroyed. Mr. Hunt knew nothing of this hoard at the time.