DY> I am interested in buying a small number of shares. 
 DY>  Can anyone tell me what is the smallest amount in 
 DY> $ or in quanitity that one can buy.  Can someone 
 DY> also recommend a cheap broker?

See my previous message to Paul Edwards.
 
The current issue of Personal Investment magazine has its annual
roundup of brokers, including services and charges. Available on
any newsstand.
 
If you want to get started with a small amount, maybe $500 to $1000,
you might be better off investing in an unlisted share trust. 
 
Personal Investment mag. also has ads for discount "prospectus"
brokers. They don't give out advice but give a rebate on trust
entry fees.
 
I use Investment Products for this [(02) 262 1733 or 008 22 1715]
but I'm sure the others are just as good.
 
You can phone any of these and ask for particular prospectuses, or
just ask for their catalog.
 
LM.

--- Maximus/2 3.00