There was movement in Talinga, 'cause the word had got around, the old O'Brien house was up for sale. The cars took up every street space, the crowd massed - at 16.00 hours on August 3, with expectations buzzing, auctioneer Matthew took centre stage. $810,000 came from the front corner, Matthew remained cool, $830,000 was heard from the other side. The crowd moved restlessly from one foot to the other, Matthew was in control, cool, contained, yet in charge - not unlike Gary Cooper in "High Noon." Soon the call was for $890,000, Matthew listed the many merits of No. 15 and the relative sales recently in the area. Interest quickened, soon the price had soared to $900,000, yet more was to come. Matthew coaxed and cajoled expertly, $904,000 - $907,000 - $917,000 - $920,000 - then a confident voice was heard from the front stalls, $925,000 - Matthew's mastery had won the day at $45,000 above the reserve. Then the crowd was gone with the wind, the owners celebrated, and suburban quiet returned. Regards from Rosemary O'Brien.


