THE CONFIDENCE TRICK.

Bush Advocate, Volume VII, Issue 648, 12 July 1892, Page 2

THE CONFIDENCE TRICK.

(To The Editor.) Sic,— The 'confidence trick,' although old, still has a charm in the bands of experts. Two weoks ago a miner travelling to Napier lost £240 by the trick. As it is believed that some of the confidence gentry are about Hawke's B.iy, I write this as a warning to others who may fall into their hands. The miner was proceeding to the Bay of Islands, and when he arrived in 'Napier ho got into conversation with a young man who represented himself to be a large shareholder in the Belfast mine at Newcastle. N.S.W., and visiting New Zealand to see the plans of the Keep it Dark mine in Reefton. He engaged the miner at £i a week on condition he would sign for 6 months, which the agreement was settled. He said he would require a deposit us security, and the miner told him that he could have £lf.o if required, but he could not get it until the morning. Well, to bind the agreement the gentleman said he would lend the miner £r>o to be paid back when tho agreement was written out. They had a drink and retired for the night. Next morning the miner got £2. r .O, and by appointment met the confidence gent and paid him .£SO. They made arrangements to go to Sydney. In the conversation he told the miner that it was not safe to carry so much money about him, but said as he was sending some money to Sydney he would forward his money also. The miner then handed : him £190, and hs then left to send it 1 away. When he returned he said he had a latter which called him away at once, and would meet him in Wellington. The miner proceeded to Wellington by the steamer, bnt when he arrived he found the confidence gent harl not arrived, and was not known. It is believed that he is one of the Sydney confidence gentry, who are known as ' Magsmtn,' who never clo anything but watch boats and trains. This one is about 23 years of age, fair complexion, about sft. 6in. in height, fair moustache, had a good knowledge of all parts of the colonies, gentlemanly appearance, stayed in Danevirke about Ist or 2nd July.— l am, etc., A Sympathiser with the Dope. Wellington, July 9.