THE LAND SALE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 136, 3 August 1881, Page 2

THE LAND SALE.

There was but one opinion passed on Monday as to the sale ; everyone was agreed that it was a great success— that the prices were high—^in some [ cases probably too high ; but, nevertheless, not up to the fever heat of some, three to four years ago. The following is.a summary of the sale : — 128 sections sold- at Manaia for i-2038. 125 sections sold at' Opunake for .£2499. Seven Opunake suburban sections fetched 22 rural sections fetched £4967. Total amount realised, £10,368. The average prices realised were as -follows : — Large rural sections, £& 10s. per acre; small rural sections, j£LO 10s. Opunake suburban sections, £16 12s. Only three town sections in Opunake remain unsold. The sale was quiet and business-like. At one o'clock several persons asked for an adjournment for dinner, but this was not granted, and many 'left the hall; about two o'clock, however, when all the Manaia sections were finished, an adjournment for three-quarters of an hour was granted. The only excitement was when the five-acre allotment was purchased by Mr. D. McGregor, at £25 17s. 6d. per acre. The lot was a long time before the bidders, and the publio betrayed great anxiety to find out who were the two contestants. We believe Mr. Williamson opposed Mr. McGregor for this section. A little amusement was also caused by the calling up of one of the bidders, who appeared to be more than a little reckless as a buyer, and had had several sections knocked down to him, and requiring him to pay his deposit forthwith. It then appeared that the person in question had been celebrating the occasion with his friends. He first borrowed a cheque, 1 then got the Receiver of Land Eevenue to fill it up for him, and finally carried it over' to his banker, who was in the front row, to be marked good. This was done, and amidst a general titter he resumed his seat, walking down the centre of the hall as if he deserved to be applauded and received with, •' See the conquering hero comes ;" and which was much admired.