THE TEMPLE OF TRUTH.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9008, 22 January 1895, Page 5

THE TEMPLE OF TRUTH.

SALE OF THE PROPERTY. The Temple of Troth, with half an acreol ground, situated in Madras street, waa put up at public auction yesterday afternoon by Messrs Ayers, Beaachamp and O>., CasheJ street, and attracted a big gathering oi people. The auctioneer, in the preliminary announcements and the conditions, stated that the Temple would be knocked down to the highest bidder that the purchase was subject to Mr A. B. Worthington's lease, which had a balance of twenty-one years to run from August, 1892; that the Temple was let for £240 a year, and that, together with the land, the original cost was about £6000 There had, he said, been lota of rumours about the proposed sale being bogus, &c. He wanted to say that so far as the auctioneer was concerned, in his relations and dealings with the vendors, it was the straightest piece of business he had had anything to do with. The highest bidder would be the. buyer. He then invited bids. After a few minutes delay he asked if any one present would dietingttish himself by making a bid, and the answer ieas returned £1200. The price gradually # roae in hundreds until it reached £2300, where it hung for a while, when the silence waa broken by a voice caling £3000, followed by considerable applause. It is presumed the bid was on behalf of the mortgagee. A little more persuasive eloquence from the auctioneer drew another £50, and at £5050 the Temple of Truth was knocked down to Mr Weber, who, Mr Ayeis explained, was acting as agent for Mr A, B. Worthington. This statement was received with some applause and the clapping of hands by a few enthusiastic young ladies, who had accommodated themselves with promiuent seats.