A LAPSE OF MEMORY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIII, Issue 3076, 7 November 1929, Page 5

A LAPSE OF MEMORY.

MEANS LOSS OF £3OOO. A party of business men were discussing property values in the city (states the Dominion) when one of them recalled a deal which was made a year or two ago of a large property in the heart of the city, and which brought in the owner a snug little sum over and above what he had originally said he would accept. The parties were both substantial business men, and one of them was standing in the doorway of his property when the other, passing by, asked if he would sell. “Oh, yes, if the price is right,” he replied. “Will you take £12,000?” was the response. The owner scratched his chin thoughtfully for a moment and agreed to accept that sum. The deal was not concluded at that time, but some weeks later the pair met again in almost identical circumstances. “Are you still open to take £15,000 for this property?” asked the would-be buyer. The owner, while getting a shock at' the sudden rise in price, concealed his surprise, and made a show of giving the offer consideration. He then accepted the offer, the buyer agreed, and adjourning into the office a cheque was made out and the deal concluded. Whether the new owner ever came to know the facts concerning his lapse of memory did not transpire, but although he paid £3OOO more than he need have done, the property would show him a handsome margin if placed on the market to-day. A similar property only a few yards away realised between £30,000 and £40,000 three months ago.