“SOMETHING VALUABLE”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 23 July 1923, Page 4

“SOMETHING VALUABLE”

A GALVANISED IRON “WATCH”

(United Press Association).

■ AUCKLAND, July 20. A good story was told in the Police Court to-day, when Morris Corn, assistant in a Queen street auction mart was fined £5 for failing to stamp a receipt for a sum over £2.

Chief-Detective M’llveney stated that there were suggestions that sharp practices were carried on at some auction places. James Christine, labourer, of Onehunga, stated that on 2nd May, after buying a pair of spectacles for a shilling, he paid £2 lor a small cardboard box which the auctioneer, Clarence Russell, inferred contained something valuable. Russell then opened the box, and there was nothing in it. The Magistrate: “You bought a gold brick?” ,

Witness (laughing): “Yes.” “Russell then asked me,” continued witness, “if I was satisfied, and I said ‘Yes.’ ”

Tiie Magistrate: “You said ‘Yes?’ ” Witness: “I did. Russell said he was not satisfied, and he asked his man ,‘James’ (Corn) to give me a razor strop, a tin of shaving soap, a razor, 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 (smiling): “So that is all you got for your £2?” Witness: “That’s all.”

Later, witness said, he gave Russell £5 for a tea and coffee set. Russell, saying that would do, continued selling, arid then hustled everyone out of the room. Witness appealed for his money hack, but Russell went away and his man “James” gave witness a receipt for £5 without any stamp Chief-Detective MTlveney: “So far you have heard nothing from them?” Witness: “Nothing at all; I left tho tea and coffee set there to be resold.”