After 66 Years
(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) FLINT (Wales,) March 31.
A Boer War veteran, Mr Benjamin Wigley, received his award yesterday for finding a hoard of gold bars in South Africa 66 years ago. An official of the South African Embassy handed Mr Wigley, now 84, a £lOO cheque at a ceremony in the Flint Town Hall.
Mr Wigley stumbled across the gold in the Transvaal while serving with the British Army. A cheque made out to him at the time—signed by General Botha—was given to his stepfather because Mr Wigley was then under age.
The cheque never reached Mr Wigley. It came to light when the stepfather died last year. By then the cheque was worthless. But Mrs Elrene White, Minister of State for Wales, raised the matter with the South African authorities. Inquiries verified Mr Wigley’s story and the South African Government agreed to pay out Mr Wigley lost his speech after a stroke 18 months ago. “The money will help provide luxuries we cannot afford on our £6 10s a week pension,” said his 81-year-old wife, Hannah.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31333, 1 April 1967, Page 13
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178After 66 Years Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31333, 1 April 1967, Page 13
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