THE GOLDEN FLEECE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20005, 23 November 1927, Page 8

THE GOLDEN FLEECE

FRENZIED PURCHASERS BARKS, HOWLS AND SHOUTS On the stage of the Opera House, set with high scats tier upon tier after the fashion of an amphitheatre, Wanganui’s golden fleece was yesterday fought over by a full bench of buyers representing practically every important country in the world. Leaping from their seats in eager frenzy, Frenchmen, Germans, Dutchmen, Englishmen, Belgians and Americans snarled at each other and barked and squealed at the auctioneer, but with the fall of the hammer they would smile and perhaps indulge in some witticism which woifld be the signal for uproarious laughter. And so catalogue after catalogue was disposed of until prices over the whole sale averaged out at figures that in comparison with last year will mean an extra £300,000 to the Wanganui district if the present Irvcl is maintained throughout the season. At every wool sale decorum is thrown to the winds by the elegantly dressed buyers. When lot one is announced there is uproar and violent agitation. In the front row a smart little man with horn rimmed spectacles leaps into the air with the agility of a Maori warrior in the throes of a haka, while all-round him the storm spreads with lightning rapidity. One could almost fancy that the gentleman on the rostrum had hurled some deadly insult at the buyers before him. Alert old men, intent young men, with every nerve strained, bounce out of their seats like so many jack-in-the box, their hands raised to high heaven, or with finger pointing accusingly at the auctioneer. Pandemonium reigns as a deep voice booms “Fourteen pence! One-one-onc-one! Arf-arf-arf-arf! Three-three-three-thi ee! Pence-pence-pence-pence! Arf-arf-arf-arf. Yll done?” . Crack! The auctioneer has knocked the lot down while the excitement subsides and a moment’s rapid figuring on the catalogues provides a lull before the next round. It is all an intensely interesting entertainment for the gaping public, many of whom little realise, perhaps, the ramifications and romance of the trade which makes the sale possible.