THE FIRST PRIZE

Evening Star, Issue 20586, 11 September 1930, Page 15

THE FIRST PRIZE

LUCKY AUCKLANDER [Special to the ‘Stas.’] AUCKLAND. September 11. A resident of Auckland is the holder of the ticket which secured tho first prize of £2,000 in the Rugby Art Union, drawn at New Plymouth on Friday evening. Tho mysterious “ Mac, Glenomaru, Otago ” is Angus M‘Coll, a returned soldier, who, for the last five months, has as a mechanic in a city cycle shop. This is the first occasion on which a first prize in an art union lias come to Auckland. Previously tho best prize won here was £SOO, drawn in the Golden Wings Art Union. The pseudonym of “ Mac ” and the address of Glenomaru wore adopted by M‘Coll because he had spent his boyhood days in the little Otago township, and to intimate friends he is always known as 11 Mac.” M'Coll held only one ticket, which he bought at the Auckland Winter Exhibition. He usually has an interest in every arc union, and purchased the ticket in this one more or loss as a matter of course. He thought little about it until he saw the results of the drawing in a newspaper which he was casually reading on Sunday. Next morning he asked a workmate if he thought it possible that another person in n small place like Glenomaru would be likely to use “ Mac.” The matter was in doubt, as the number Oi the winning ticket was not published. His companion advised him to telegraph to New Plymouth for the number, and receipt of this put the result beyond doubt.

Meantime, the promoters had advised the fictitious " Mac,” of Glenomaru, by registered post of his good luck.

Mr M'Coll has lodged the butt in the safe keping of an Auckland bank. He is married, and has a family of four, approaching their majority. He is now preparing to start on a fortnight’s holiday to visit his Otago relatives.