Hi Folks,

Last of my prodigal daughters returns to New Zealand tonite.

I note the America's Cup Series begins in Auckland NZ 18th October.

I hope the nations of the world have suitable contingency plans for getting these sports people and their supporters home at the end of the series.

Speculation: everything about the outcome of Y2k is:

Should a number of people become 'stuck' in a foreign country, how would the value of commodities be decided in relation to Gold and Silver (assuming that travellers have wisely decided to bring a small stash). My guess is local currency would be traded for metals only for a short period of time. The main problem would be establishing an exchange value. Anyone know what history teaches about this one?

-- Bob Barbour (r.barbour@waikato.ac.nz), October 14, 1999

Answers

Hi, Bob. Welcome back.

As I recall, refugees from Europe and Asian countries were charged whatever the market would bear in order to catch the last flight out. They dug into the linings of their coats and came up with coin. Sort of a "keeping piling the coins up until I smile," arrangement. The coin taker never smiled until the last coin was gone, of course.

Actually, I guess it would depend on whether or not there were brokers in business. But, distress sellers would be at a disadvantage.

-- de (delewis@XOUTinetone.net), October 14, 1999.

Hey Bob,

At least some of them brought their own transportation (boats)!!

-- Hawthorne (99@00.com), October 14, 1999.