GAMBLING FEVER

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 15 February 1926, Page 5

GAMBLING FEVER

ITALIANS ATTACKED.

TIPS FOR LUCKY NUMBERS. HEAVY LOSSES INCURRED. BY CABLE —PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT. Received Feb. 15, 11.15 a.m. ROME, Feb. 14. The whole of Italy forgot the Mussol i ni-Etresemann controversy in the State lottery, culminating yesterday, with excitement at the highest pitch. A hunchback named Torraca had lately been forecasting the winning numbers with extraordinary accuracy. He never backed his own tips, but was always content with gifts from those who benefited from them, in consequence of which he was regarded as a hero and a seer. Whereas formerly he lived in poverty in the village of San Ferdinando, he had lately been presented with a palatial house. The Mayor was said to have won £IO,OOO _ through Torraca’s tips, and many girls had 1 won large doweries. He was besieged for tips for the latest lottery. It is estimated that 50,000 people crowded into San Ferdinando during the last few days to seek news. Such was his fame that the whole country was absorbed in gambling, and there was scarcely a household in Italy without a ticket in the latest lottery. Unfortunate'y this time Torraca was unsuccessful. He gave 33.48 instead of the winning number, 34.49. Subscribers ascribed the error to over-tiredness. Torroca complained that lie did not have time to make elaborate calculations. The latest is that he has disappeared, having fled in a motor car from the village to escape the wrath of those who had believed in his infallibility. It is estimated that £250,000 was lost in Naples alone, and in Palermo £125,000. Never have the Italian people suffered so severely, but the State has gained enormouslv.. —A. and N.Z. Assn.