C. H. Summerville, Auctioneer and-Commission Agent

Following the principal's death in May 1937, the old established auction firm  that had borne the Harding name for 55 years was sold to  Charles Herbert Summerville thus passing the business from one well known Ipswich family to another. Summerville had been a Moreton Shire Councillor for 10 years who now sought a change in direction.  In July 1937 he took over the Nicholas Street premises of Harding & Walker, also moving his household from The Junction to  88 Down Street, North Ipswich. 

In February 1938, Summerville auctioned the old Pommer Bros ice works and butter factory at 9 The Terrace, North Ipswich. 

Charles Herbert Summerville's new career as auctioneer and commission agent was short-lived. He died in September of 1942.  His wife Grace, and their sons Harold and Arthur, conducted the business on behalf of the estate of C. H. Summerville for the next few years. They each applied for and were granted commission agents licenses. 

In early 1944 changes were made to the auction mart located in Nicholas Street. It was moved further away from the street more towards the rear of the property where a new shed and auctioneer's stand were erected. By this time, this area in Nicholas Street had been the site of auctions and land sales since the 1860s. 

Harold had his commission agent's license renewed in January 1954 indicating his continuing involvement in this area of business. At this point, two generations of Summervilles had been performing auctions in the Ipswich area over 17 years.