THE FIRST BARGAIN OF A BUSINESS MAN.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7350, 1 July 1889, Page 2

THE FIRST BARGAIN OF A BUSINESS MAN.

The late Mr John Bylands, of Man» cheater, would often humorously narrate the history of his first bargain. One day, soon after he had leffc school. In passing through a street of St. Helens, his eye was caught by an auctioneer's placard announcing the sale of the stock-in-trade belonging to the father of one o< hie schoolfellows. He went in to see what was going on; and, as he had saved a little pocket money, he bid for one of the lots, a drawer full of trinkets, which was knocked down to him at a low price. These, on reaching home, he found to consist of different pieces of jewellery, much tarnished and corroded. He pulled them to pieces, cleaned and polished them, and sold them separately, realizing a good profit. A former nurse of Mrs Rylands heard of the lad's successful purchase, and being herself with her family very handy at the Joom, said to him— v Supposing, Master John, you spend this money In a little yarn, and let us weave it for yoa." Tnle was done, the calicoes were returned " beautifully woven," were soon sold, ana all concerned made a handsome profit. The process was repeated on a continually enlarging scale, for about two years, and the youth, who meantime was diligently helping hl3 father, became already a miniature capitalist. Atthe expiration of this time his eldest brother, Joseph, droposed to join him, and the two lads Initiated business on their own account. John undertaking the posb of traveller. The father, himself a shrewd and capable man of business, perceived what his sons were doing on their own account, and proposed to join in partnership with them, contributing a larger capital then they conld muster. Thus the well-known firm was originated.