THE NEW "BUNCO" GAME

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 160, 8 July 1899, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE NEW "BUNCO" GAME

George Hopper's version of the confidence trick is remarkable for Its freshness and audacity, according to several persons who have given evidence against him at Marl-borough-street.

His method is to accost a llkely-looklng stranger, and complain that he has boon robbed by a woman of £20 or £40 and his money and jewellery. Would the stranger lend him a trifling sum to telegraph to his father, the proprietor of a hotel somewhere In tho North? Stranger lends the money, and George, under his eye, writes out a telegram to "Dad" asking him to forward £20.

George and the stranger then go for a walk. Returning later to the post office, George finds a telegram waiting for him. He rends it, and tells the stranger that "Dad" Is sending £20 by registered letter. Can the stranger lend blm some money, which will be repaid with interest on the arrival of the remittance?

Stranger, with almost preternatural simplicity, responds to the appeal In gold. Shortly afterwards George disappears, and is not seen again.

There are said to be nine cases of this kind agninst George, who, It may be remarked Incidentally, was convicted three years ago of stealing £12. At Bow-street Police Station a few weeks ago Mr Fenwlck committed him to take his trial.