A Country Clearing Sale

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5975, 8 September 1920, Page 2

A Country Clearing Sale

Its Social Value

Nature and nature's ways, including that which also belongs to hnman life, provided their own avenues for change, and when nature is in her “ resting mood ” opportunities are afforded for those connected with the soil to seek such recreation as will enable them to better equip themselves for the hard work which lies ahead. Farmers and their wives, who for nine months of the year see very little of the lighter side oi life, find relief, relaxation and enjoymentj by attending a country clearing sale. Such gatherings are fairly frequent during the winter season and serve as a rendezvous to those whese lives are somewhat isolated. At a farm house, around which a belt of macracarpa trees rear their stately heads aud serve to add dignity and a delightful setting to the undulating country in the much favoced Waikato, the jingling of teacups soon after eleven in the morn, ing betokened another trip to a clearing sale, and the visit by a neighbouring housewife afforded an easy opportunity for a. chat which women folk, especially when men are absent. really love; at such a time confidences are exchanged and mutual weaknesses freely and frankly admitted. On this occasion the conversation turned on sile ja ?’ ?airi ® and losses, when money, although “ fooled away,” provided a score of compensating joys which even an auctioneer’s catalogue would fail to enumerate. “ Yes,” said Mrß Prenceley, who loved to score a bargain in furniture or old chins, “I do believe I gave too much for that armchair.” “Ot course you did,” rejoined her visitor, Mrs Smalley whose upbringing in the land of heather bad given her unerring wisdom in the speeding of even a modest shilling, “ Why, the old thing was only worth a crown ; it was worm-eaten and only fit for the wash-house fire.” “ Oh, well, never mind, Laura, don’t forget we wanted to buy something.” Mac was the favorite auctioneer, whose knowledge of things in general included also not a little of that which comes to men of the world in the way of understanding human nature, and in this respect he was rather an adept. . Some would say he was a ‘ hard case,’ but then strangely true, is it not that womenfolk rather like these type of men. At any rate, Mac’s personal qualities were enhanced by that strange mixture of humaD “ devilry ” a terrible word which exerted his influerce among bis many clients throughout the Waikato, so that he was sought after whenever a clearing sale was likely to take place.

Around the cattle ring where men congregate most, the auctioneer is a masterband at what may be termed “ the inflexibility of adaptation,” His language fits the hpur and so commands the influence of men, whilst his knowing half-questioning look in the direction of likely buyers acts like lamplight to the moth, and as a result of such magnetic force draws all bayers to his side. At a clearing sale all manner of folk meet and whether the day be wet or fine the sale is sure to “ draw ” country folk, while not a few see fun in paying a little, more for something which someone wants, and yet they don’t! Yes, it’s a. strange yet interesting world this, with its giving and taking, its sorrows and compensations, its allurements and counterpoints. In no place is this more exemplified in varying degrees than at a country sale.

Let ns not then undervalue the people’s part in such pleasures for they form links in the social life of a district where friendships are formed and forged, creating the endless chain that enfolds our lives in the guise of modern civilisation.—H. L. H.