"Hot Brick” In Capital

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31211, 8 November 1966, Page 23

"Hot Brick” In Capital

"The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON, Nov. 6. In Wellington there’s a gold brick so “hot” that America’s Secret Service wants it back. And if that wasn't enough, there’s a golf putter, for real use, that is made of gold with a bit of silver for makeweight.

The United States Secret Service wants the gold brick, but its owner, Mr I. G. Andrews, assistant general manager of the National Bank of New Zealand, is darned sure they’re not going to get it A novel paper-weight the 22 carat gold-plated brick is identical in appearance to those stored in the United States Treasury at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

It is one of hundreds produced by a United States jewellery concern and they quickly became a popular item in New York shops. But early in July the Secret Service raided the manufacturing concern and under a Federal warrant confiscated all the bricks they could lay their hands on. It was ruled the bricks were illegal items under the counterfeiting section of the Federal code.

Mr Andrews received his “hot brick’’ two days ago from a visiting Boston banker friend. It is a conversation piece he intends to keep because, after all, this Is about as close as anyone can get to the Fort Knox gold. Stamps on the face of the brick identify it as “Fine 999.8” and record its weight as “oz 19.591.” It bears the stamp of the New York Assay Office. On the back an inscription advises that if the brick were, indeed, gold it would be worth approximately 687.95 dollars. Golden Putter The man with the golden putter is Mr G. A. Clements, a city jeweller, and golfer for 35 years, who made it himself. He used it for the first time in the jewellers’ and watchmakers’ tournament at Manor Park.

Mr Clements, who delights in making beautiful articles, said that although he made the putter as a hobby it was intended for use, not as a decorative piece. The make - it - yourself • In - gold - and - silver idea came when he read of solid-

silver putters being sold in the United States at a high price.

Although unable to place an exact value on his putter, which as yet bears no Bobby Jones “Calamity Jane” nickname, Mr Clements said if he were asked to make one it would certainly not be for less than £75. “To make this sort of I thing you have got to be both jeweller and golfer, the I

latter to be able to judge the correct weight and balance.” He has no plans for making a golden ball! Mr Clements, when he played in the tournament for the first time 20 years ago, won the jewellers’ award. Yesterday, his 18-year-old son, Grant, who is on a four handicap at the Hutt Club, won the watchmakers’ award at his first attempt. He did a 69 off the stick.