ANNUAL POLICE AUCTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 66, 20 March 1943, Page 4

ANNUAL POLICE AUCTION

DEMAND FOR “OLD” ALE

Beer of the old peace-time strength —brewed before May 1, 1942—attracted keen bidding when the annual police auction was held in Wanganui yesterday. The offering consisted or' 130 quart bottles, and, with the exception of one small line, was knocked down at 23s a dozen. Sixteen bottles sold at the rate of fl a dozen. Practically all the ale was obtained by one purchaser. An assortment of articles ranging from cycles to the cap of a petrol tank was disposed of under the hammer, gross proceeds from the auction amounting to £65 7s 9d. The quantity of confiscated liquor was smaller than last year, however, and no whisky or spirits were on hand. Ale of the old alcoholic strength was the highlight of the day. Bidding started at 15s a dozen and quickly rose by Is a bid till the £1 mark was readied. Subsequent rises were at the rate of 6d till the major portion of the liquor was knocked down for 23s a dozen, which is lower than the ruling retail price. Two quart bottles of port wine sold at 10s for tre pair, and a pint bottle was disposed of for 4s 6d. The wartime demand for cycles was also reflected a: the auction, 14 unclaimed machines realising £4B Is. the highest individual price being £7 10s. Bidding was animated. A lawnmower brought 37s 6d and a pair of women's shoes 5s 6d. The petrol tank cap was knocked down for Is. Two electric headlamps for cycles realised 18s and 7s, and a mouthorgan went for ss. A travelling rug was sold for 6s and a small woman’s purse realised Is.