CARGO FROM WILTSHIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18171, 17 August 1922, Page 6

CARGO FROM WILTSHIRE

DISPOSAL BY AUCTION. 'i ANIMATION IN BIDDING. . GOOD PRICES EEALISED. Great interest was- taken in the sale by public auction yesterday of some 200 tons of cargo salved from the wreck of the Wiltshire. The auction was con- !j ducted by Mr. George Walker in one of the Harbour Board's sheds on the King's ' 1 Vharf, where hundreds of buyers and interested spectators assembled. Some of the goods offered for sale were in practically new condition, having been taken from the steamer's holds undamaged. ■ . Other lines showed evidences of alight damage by spray, while a quantity of the Wiltshire's fittings would be classed as second-hand. Prices realised for the majority of the. goods were remarkably high, keen bidding, principally by merchants, carrying prices in many instances almost rap to the level of current retail quotations. The - import duties played an important part in the sale, and a number of customs officers were fully employed answering the constantly repeated inquiry, "What is the duty?" A good deal of curiosity was displayed in the auctioning of the upright Broadwood piano from the Wiltshire's saloon. The auctioneer's statement that it would cost £300 to buy it in the shop was greeted with much incredulous laughter, and bidding started at £50, with a quick jump to £65. To a softly played accompaniment, which strangely harmonised with the spoken cadences of Jthe auctioneer, and gave tho scene the appearance of a stage set for a musical revue, the instrument was knocked down at £&\ pllus a 20 per cent, customs duty. Ship's fittings formed a large proportion of the articles offered. Arm chairs and settees in red coverings gave an air of comfort, to tho drab interior of the wharf shed, and afforded restful relief to the many women who found tho hours of waiting somewhat tiresome. Swing dining table chairs were looked upon scornfully as Ibeine too reminiscent of wild night* at sea, but saucepans, with slightly rusted lids, met.with bettor favour, as offering no insuperable difficulties to a sandstone cleaning. A number of carpeta from cabins * ; and saloons, which had already eeen a good deal of wear, saw mors before the ; day was out. Most of. these fittings were not reached late in the afternoon and will, therefore, be auctioned at a continuatiou sale to be held to-day. Good bargains were made in spirits, wines and tobacco. Whiskey sold at about <••■ £3 a case, to which, a 100 per cent, duty ; had to be paid. In draught, the spirit fetched approximately 30s a gallon, duty amounting - to about 365. The greater part of.the spirits offered was bought up jby one dealer, though a certain proportion was disposed of in email quantities. A small quantity of champagne realised less than half its current retail price, fetching between 10s and lis per bottle, duty paid. One elated purchaser secured a case at the rate'of 8} per bottle, which would probably cost him 25s to buy in the ordinary way. r - Old wines, worth 30s a bottle, sold for 10s 6d a bottle, plus Sg duty. Tobacco, which at present costs 18s per dozen tins' containing l|oz., went "to' ths | highest bidder for & &d per dozen, phis 6s 4d duty. Other lines disposed of wore of great variety. Twelve English porcelain baths, with fittings', apparently quite undamaged, met with keen competition and the wddirig went up to £8 10s each, plus aboat £1 10s'duty. Bales Of calico were add at £40. and fraies of coloured wool U \ £20 each. .Forty electric irons,., on. -which »-.«'-■ there was 20 per cent, to be paid,,, irere ? sold, and several sets, of a.''History&&». ',• Great' War," in nine volumes, wefe T <ib- ~ fcained, probably by souvenir f<* £5 ner set. ■;■ V '•