“SWAP ADS” IN U.S.

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 May 1933, Page 11

“SWAP ADS” IN U.S.

VARIED BARTER OFFERS. “Swap Ads,” or organised barter through newspaper announcements, are the latest reflection of the financial crisis in the United States. A recent issue of the “Dallas Morning News,” Texas, contains? more than 250 such advertisements by people wishing to dispose of anything from a chewing-gum rack to a farm. Love of music is evidently at a low ebb in Dallas, for a large number of advertisers are trying to get nd of various melody-making instruments. “Does your boy want a trotobone?” asks one announcement. And the advertiser will give him one in exchange for “lawn mower, baby bed or what have you.” Another man, clearly a disillusioned professional, is forsaking night-lite and music for ever. “Man’s evening suit and Remona guitar for groceries” is his terse farewell. Learning is likewise at a discount in these disquieting times. Here is a man with a co'mplete set of . “books of knowledge” to be disposed of for “what have you.” Several oncestudent advertisers, too, have grown tired of the Harvard classics and wish to exchange them for groceries. . There is surely a mysterious human story behind the announcement: “Set of old doctors’ er textbooks and 15 fiction books. . Will swap for' typewriter, pistol or rifle.” Is tire medical studefit about to plunge into authorship, or will he make a violent exit from his troubles by means of firearms? , , A note of bitterness creeps into the announcements of some advertisers, who make no secret of the Worthlessness of their wares. “Wildcat oil royalty, for anything,” offers one man, while a woman will part with a box of liver extract for a pair of scissors. The serious flight of the professional classes is shown by the many offers of medical and dental care, and of teaching services, for food and livestock. . .. ....