CAST-OFF CLOTHING.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2114, 13 October 1875, Page 3

CAST-OFF CLOTHING.

"Anglo-Australian," in the European Mail, gives his opinion on the subject of wearing second-hand clothing :—" I have often felt indignant at the reflection suggested by ' an old clo'man,' who advertises for cast-off apparel for export to the Colonies. Why or wherefore he should select ' Australia.' for special reference in the advertisement referred to, is what no Australian can understand. Why not for New Zealand, South Africa, or the West Indies ? If the distinction is made to convey the idea that clothing suitable to the climnte is required, then the purpose would be answered equally as well if re ference were made to the Colonies above enumerated. But no, nothing would suit our friend's purpose but " Australia," and thus he invites those who are burdened with a superfluity of old clothes to come and trade with him. The whole business, however, seems to me to be shrouded in mystery, for I am sure there are very few Australians who would plead guilty to wearing second-hand clothing. Possibly, ht)wever",it is only an exceptionable kind of clo'hing that our friend is eager to obtain, and that a suit worn by Mr Lowe or Mr Disrae i would fetch a higher price, in the belief that they would excite eager competition among the statesmen of 'Australia." Mr Spurgeon's cast-off clothes would also be readily bought up upon this hypothesis, while those of Moody and Sankey would be worth a mint of money. Dr. Kenealy's, perhaps, would not fetch as much as Mr Whalley's, but still the enterprising advertiser might find a good market for them. I had thought that in these days of shoddy and cheap mixtures " old clothes' were at a discount, but it seems I am mistakeu, for a market for the sale of old clothes was opened ou June 25, in Glasgow, by the municipal authorities, above all people in the world, ihe market is the largest of its kind in Great Britain. The rent is £2,000, the receipts amount to £70,000 per annum, and the trade is chiefly in the hands of the Irish people. Here, then.is evidence that aioiring trade is doing in this line, and looking at the enterprise of the people who have it in hand, it is not unlikely that a steamer may presently be despatched from the Clyde to the Fiji, under the impression that the natives are very eager to embrace European manners and customs. With the annexation of New Guinea the field would expand, and then perhaps, our ' friend' the advertiser, to whom I have referred, might see his way clear t© shift the ' venue,' and advertise for * old clothes' for Fiji and New Guinea, and thus render but tardy justice to people who don't import a bale."