SALE OF DEFENCE STORES.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5666, 21 December 1920, Page 7

SALE OF DEFENCE STORES.

“BARGAIN DAY” AT WELLINGTON.

WOMEN WAIT HOURS TO MAKE PURCHASES,

The disposal of Defence surplus stores at the Drill Hall, Buckle street, was continued recently and throughout the day there was a continuous stream of customers. The experience of the previous day, when the barriers were broken down by persons in their anxiety not to miss securing some of the bargains that were offering resulted in greater precautions being taken to prevent the possibility of a recurrence of the scene. Extra guards were placed on the doors and the public were allowed into the building in batches of about three hundred. In the artillery drill hall, where the stock was storedseveral members of the police force rendered assistance to the staff of salesmen, and each customer was served without undergoing discomfort. It was absolutely impossible to | deal with tne large numoer of persons wlio desired to make purchases as expeditiously as desirable, and in consequence many persons experienced a long wait. Inside the main hall forms were provided for women to rest upon, and many who had anticipated the natural difficulties that they would have to contend with came provided with luncheon. By 12 o’clock upward of five hundred persons had been served, and the premises were closed for an hour in order that the staff might have a meai. When the sale was resumed there was a large gathering outside the building, m addition to those who had been accommodated in the hall, many of whom had been waiting lor over two hours. Blankets, towels, and footwear appeared to be in most demand, while the sale of underclothing was considerable. There was little or no crowding, and each person was attended to in turn. When the purchase had been completed, the buyer , was let out of a special exit door. There was a very large collection of boots, shoeSj blankets, towels, underclothing, slippers, flannel belts, denims, and blue serge suits; but in order that all those who desired might participate in the bargains, large orders were not accepted. In consequence tho average amount of purchase was £2 and every visitor had a good selection to choose from. During the day over eight hundred persons were served, and the cash taken amounted to nearly £2OOO.