HEARD OVER THE 'PHONE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17276, 27 September 1919, Page 11

HEARD OVER THE 'PHONE.

A BUSINESS DIALOGUE.

[The following is the sort of 'phone dialogue that Coakley takes part, in almost every day in the week.]

" Ting-a-ling-a-ling 1" " Central? Give me 2238—please— Coakley's Mart. . . ." " . . . . That you, Mr. Coakley — Oh, how are you? I say, I want to ask your advice." " Right-o ! That's Mr. Blank speaking, isn't it? Thought I recognised your voice ! What can I do for you, Mr, Blank?"

" Well, fact is I am leaving Auckland— transferred to headquarters at Dunedin. Means another £150 a year for me !" " Good business !—but how can I serve you?" "I am leaving in about three weeks' time, and I can't make up my mind about the furniture. What would you advise me to do with it?"

" Well, you might take it with you, | of course, but you'd find freight charges I so stiff that by the time you landed the stuff in Dunedin you'd be sorry you didn't leave it behind you." "1 —-what, then, do you suggest?" 'What's about the value of the goods?" "Oh. somewhere in the neighbourhood of £450—they cost me a lot more." "Live at itcmuera, don't you?" "Yes." " House pretty well-known?" "Oh, yes, everybody knows our place-*-and lots of people know me."' "In that case I'd advise a sals on the premises. You'd be sure to get a lot of bidders." "But d'ye think I'd get the sort of prices I'm looking for?Of course I'd have to sell without reserve." "You'd get the prices, alright—or rather, I'd get them for you. It's pretty wellknown that when I sell I've generally got something worth while to sell. And, like you, I'm well-known, and I always draw a crowd. You leave it to me." "How about selling at the mart?"' "I'll sell for you at the mart, if you prefer it. My bi-weekly sales attract i buyers from far and near, and I always make good with my saleslook at the number of them I get. But if you'll be guided by me you'll sell on the premises. You won't regret it!" "Don't know how long I may be in jDnnedm. May be returning to Auckland inside 12 months. What about storing | the goods until [ know definitely, one I way or the other"'''

"Please yourself, Mr. Blank. But I never advise storing. Stores don't always succeed in keeping out the borer. Also, it sometimes happens the store is damp, and that plays up with the goods. Mind ▼on, I know what I'm talking about." "Oh, well, 1 can't afford to run any risks. We'll cut out storage." "There's a third alternative, you know." "What's that?" "I'll buy you out myself, pay handsomely, and give you a cheque before I touch, the goods. That might be the best arrangement of all. But I'm quite in your hands, and ready to do anything you may consider will be most advantageous to your own interests." "Could you pop along and see me? then we could talk things over, and come to a final decision rightawav. I shall be i a all the morning 1462, R emu era Road, Remuera.'' '"I'll com® with pleasure. I'll motor along right now, and bp with yon in ten minutes. ' (Advt)