A SYDNEY EPIC.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16406, 12 April 1924, Page 11

A SYDNEY EPIC.

PAWNBROKER'S FTGTTT. AGAINST EVICTION NOTICE. SHUT IN HIS SHOP. SYDNEY, April 4- —Amusing scenes were witnessed in Market Street, Sydney, when Jacob Mandelberg, a pawnbroker, like Ajax defying the lightning, at tempted to tear down barricades as fast ns I bey were erected by about 20 workmen. Eventually Ihe latter completely enclosed his shop, and lie was forced to move. Mandelberg has occupied a shop at the intersection of Market and Castlcleagh Streets for 35 years, bill the shop is on part of the land recently purchased by David Jones. Ltd., drapers, and on which I hey intend to erect an enormous store.

The pawnbroker was warned to vacate the premises months ago, but according to his story he was unable lo find anollr-r shop, and on Tuesday, when he arrived, it was to lind workmen removing the root', while others were erecting barricades round Ihe entrances of the shop. Barriers soon went up all round, bricks were stacked in the doorways. and baulks of timber were stacked on the footpath, effectively' locking the occupants in and the public out. CHEERING CROWD.

Like the lone defender of some beleaguered fortress, Mandelberg, who was properly roused, prowled along on the inside of the barricades, carrying an axe, which he used to break down the barricades wherever possible. But the workmen did mot hoed his defiance, and, working four times as fas! lis he destroyed, soon had huge baulks of timber nailed into position over the smaller timber, effectively resisting all his attacks.

The police were called to keep the crowd of some thousands in order, though they could licit interfere either with the workmen or Mandelberg, who was all the time on his own premises. Every time the pawnbroker made an attack on the barricades the crowd cheered lustily, and encouraged him to greater efforts. But by the time the workmen knocked off, his roof was right off, and they had commenced to pull down the walls. CAVE UP AT LAST.

At last Mandelberg gave up the unequal combat, and late in the afternoon commenced to move into temporary premises across the road. He called in the assistance of his family and numerous others to help him shift, bis goods.

The sight of the amateur removalists, clocks tinder one arm, and silver ornaments or other similar articles under the other, moving in a continuous line across the busy street in the fading light, was ludicrous, and the crowd, which had exhibited an amused interest all the afternoon, laughed heartily. EveintiiaPy Mandelberg employed a furniture waggon to complete the work.

The secretary of David Jones. Ltd., stated that the pawnbroker had been warned as far back as December that he would have to vacate the premises. Stuart Bros., the builders, were the firm taking action against him. They had to complete their contract within a certain time.