Massachusetts § 6 - Unclaimed goods carried by railroad company, express or vessel; sale at public auction; publication; proceeds

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 6 — Unclaimed goods carried by railroad company, express or vessel; sale at public auction; publication; proceeds, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 6. Unclaimed goods carried by railroad company, express or vessel; sale at public auction; publication; proceeds

Section 6. If goods carried by a railroad company, by express or in a vessel are not called for by the owner or consignee within one year after the date of their receipt at the place of consignment, they may be sold by public auction, notice of the time and place of sale, containing a descriptive list of all such goods with all such specific marks as may serve to identify the same, first being published once a week for three successive weeks in a newspaper, if any, published in the town where such sale is to take place, and also in the town to which they were consigned, otherwise in the newspaper published nearest thereto. The proceeds, after deducting costs of transportation, storage, advertising and sale, shall be paid to the owner, upon demand and satisfactory proof of ownership, within three years after the sale; otherwise to the commonwealth.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 6

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 6 cover?

Section 6 ("Unclaimed goods carried by railroad company, express or vessel; sale at public auction; publication; proceeds") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 6?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 6" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 6 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.