GOLDEN CASKET

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 March 1922, Page 3

GOLDEN CASKET

J’RIZE NOT I’AID. BRISBANE, Feb. 24. At the Golden Casket head office this morning a returned soldier presented the winning ticket of the second prize in a recent drawing of the Casket, but was informed that the prize could not bo handed over, as ‘‘no cheques' were being drawn.” Further inquiries elicited the information that although the small prizes were being paid in cash, the large prizes, which a rc paid by cheque signed by Mrs. Theodore and Mr. Archer Lucas, the manager, were being withhold. Pressed for the reason for this state of affairs, Mr. Lucas absolutely declined to discuss the matter. Further inquiries into the cause of the apparent deadlock over the payment of the larger prizes in the Casket elicited the information that those whose names are generally prominent in connection with the sweep have not, for some time at least, been exactly a happy family. Allegations have been made of attempts at undue interference .in connection with office administration, tho filling of vacancies, and other matters. These are said to have become so unbearable that a determined stand lias

been taken at Casket headquarters, and it is asserted that a plain report has been furnished to the Minister reviewing the whole position. Relations have become so strained that a deadlock has occurred. Until the difficulty is overcome —in other words, until the cheques are signed—winners are to wait for their money. Mr. M. J. Kinvan, M.L. A., when informed of the position in regard to cheques, said it was the first he had heard of it. He declined to discuss the situation.