SHARP PRACTICES

Otago Witness, Issue 3619, 24 July 1923, Page 57

SHARP PRACTICES

AUCTION ROOM METHODS. AUCKLAND, July 20. A good story was told in the Police Court to-day, when Morris Conn, 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 Christie, labourer, of Onehunga, stated that on May 2, after buying a pair of spectacles for a shilling, he paid £2 for 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 if 1 was satisfied, and I said yes. The Magistrate: Ycu said yes? Witness: I did. Russell said he was not satisfied, and he asked his man “James” 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 gave Russell £5 for a tea and coffee set. Russell saying that would do. He continued selling, and then hustled everyone out of the room. Witness appealed for his money back, and Russell went away, and his man “James” gave witness a receipt for £5 without any stamp. An argument followed, after which Russell sent out the office girl, who told witness she would see the proprietor who would p>ost a cheque for £5. Chief Detective MTlveney: So far you have heard nothing from them?—Nothing at all. I left the tea and coffee set there to be resold.