WARES OF THE ORIENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20986, 24 September 1931, Page 11

WARES OF THE ORIENT.

FROGS AND SHARK FINS. DELICACIES OF THE CHINESE. STRANGE AUCTION IN CITY. Incense joss sticks, which one associates with rites mysterious in Chinese temples, dried cultlo fish and shark fins from the East, frogs preserved in oils, water lily roots and both pungent and sweet-smell-ing herbs and fungus from China were a few of the oddly-assorted articles displayed yesterday at the auction rooms of Turners and Growers. The sale was that of the slock of a retired Chinese wholesale merchant, and the articles were readily disposed of to an excited crowd of Chinese. Although the Chinese is reported to exist 011 a frugal diet, he is in one respect an epicurean, being fond of delicacies such as oils and essences. Thus there was a brisk demand for dried oysters, pig and peanut oils, sour fruit sauces and plum sauces and gourmet powders. Ginger, whether preserved in picturesque earthenware or loose in a green state, was a favourite choice. The pots realised 4s to 5s each and the loose ginger about lOd a lb. Quantities of rice aroused the keenest bidding and were sold in an almost incredible time at about 8s 9d a bag of 501b. Quaintly-designed packets of Cantonese tea also went quickly. Fish would seem to provide a palatable menu for the Chinese. There were shark fins, which sold at 5s a lb., dried flat fish, which made 7s 6d a lb., salted fish and "yellow" fish heads. The so-called fish resembled and felt like the toughest of leather. Ono was informed by a delighted Chinese buyer, however, that the fish, after being boiled in pig oil for over 24 hours and dressed with rich sauces, made a dish "fit to set before a king." One was also told that certain strips belonged to fish weighing over 1501b., which were shot from river boats. The pig oil, which is also suitable for frying purposes, sold at Is a bottle and peanut oil at 6d a bottle. The miscellany of "good things'.' included pickled frogs at 8d a tin, dried cabbage at 6d a lb., pickled cucumbers and bitter melons, tinned bamboo shoots for making soup, and dried bean slicks. The Chinese has a special cure for every ill and medicinal properties occupied a large space at the auction. These comprised a pot-pourri of tree barks, which, a Chinese stated, when made into a tea, combated influenza in amazing fashion; potent smelling salts, which would immediately revive one after fainting; coloured liquids in phials for a variety of diseases; "sticking plaster" resembling black chewing gum; and fine powders for stopping bleeding. Other lines were tooth powders, brushes, writing books and pens. The stationery, which comprised mainly Chinese ledgers, was eagerly sought, but fireworks did not make a wide appeal. The auctioneer was frequently "in the dark" as to the value of a strange article, but the Chinese seemed elated with their purchases.