13 DECEMBER 1940, Page 5

Deals in property present some aspects of interest in these

days. Here is a case I have had carefully authenticated. A business concern, deciding that removal of its head offices from London was desirable, began negotiations for a par- ticular house in the country. The estimated pre-war value was £6,000, but in the circumstances £9,000 was being asked. The board boggled a little at that and put off a decision till their next meeting. By that time the vender, who seemed to have heard of the Sibylline Books, was asking kr r,000. That created some difference of opinion and the matter was adjourned. Meanwhile the price had risen to £15,000. The property was, however, finally acquired—at £19,000.