“A GOLD BRICK”

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 July 1923, Page 6

“A GOLD BRICK”

AUCTION MART CASE. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 20. A good story was told in the Police Court when Morris Corn, assistant in a Queen Street auction mart, was fined £5 for failing to stamp a receipt for a sum of over £2. Chief-Detective McllVeney stated that there were suggestions that sharp practices were carried on at some auction places. James Christine, labourer, of Oneliunga, stated that on May 2nd, after buying a pair of spectacles for a sliilling, he paid two pounds for a small cardboard box. which the auctioneer, Clarence Russeil, inferred contained something valuable. Russell then opened the box, ami there was nothing in it. The Magistrate: You bought a gold brick. Witness (laughing): ‘‘Yes. Russell then asked me if I was satisfied, and he asked him man ‘James’ (Corn) to give me a razor strop, tin of shav- , ing soap, razor, and a little leather wallet and what was supposed to be a gold watch. It looked like one, too.” The Magistrate: “Let me see it.” Witness handed it up, remarking: “It’s made of galvanised iron.” The Magistrate smiled: “So that is all you got for your £2?” Witness: “That’s all. Later witness gave Russell £5 for a tea and coffee set. Russell, saying that would do, continued selling, and then hustled everyone out of the room. Witness appealed for his money back, but Russell went away, and his man “Janies” gave witness a receipt for £5 without any stamp. Argument followed, after which Russell sent out the office girl, who told witness she would see the proprietor, who would post a cheque for £5. Chief-Deteclivc Mcllveney: “So far you have heard nothing from them?” “Nothing at all. I left the tea and coffee set there to be re-sold.”