TOOK HIS FINGER OFF.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 5, 7 January 1908, Page 2

TOOK HIS FINGER OFF.

A WARNING AND A GIFT.

Further information comes from Adelaide regarding the statement of Brigadier Veal, of the Salvation Army in that city that a mob of gamblers there had nipped off the finger of a companion who had joined the Army in an endeavour to break away from them.

The following is a copy of a letter handed to the Premier (Mr Price) by

Captain Kells, to whom the original reply was sent:— Captain X 1 have received notice that has joined the Sal-: vation Army. This is against the rules. The street shop is doing their best to stop this funny business, ftnd now we are going to start, and we mean it, so you can make up your mind about that; if you think we are going to lose the best boy we have you are mistaken. Although I hate every bone in his body, yet I do not mean to lose him; he can give us too many tips. I was good friends with him once until the fight in——— street, when he nearly broke my jaw with his left hand. If he only knew you were getting these letters I don't know what he * would think. . He started a gambler's life long ago; he was made for a gambler. I know he cannot leave off, for once begun it is hard to leave off. Ido not see where the fun comes in getting him to join the Salvation Army, as he has done noijgjfeat sin, without you want him for yourself, and he has too • big a heart for you or your Salvation Army. And if you want him you will have to struggle hard, as my friend— • said, and there is a strong body of us, with plenty of money at hand. If you would name a price to have no more to do with him, we would give you a large sum to settle it. I feel sure it is your word that is keeping him astray. So to wind up this letter, we enclose a New Year's gift. We will send you a keepsake. Six of us got him and took his little finger off, so as to give it to you, as you like'him so well. This will be a warning to him. He does not think you will get it as a gift. We are sorry we did not'take the other one now, so as. to send it to your partner, but perhaps you" would • not like her getting one, too. We could have taken the other ,o.ne just as easy, as he never let out k cry; he has too big a heart for that. So God help you for leading him astray like this. I remain, for the Shop. During a debate on the Gaming Bill in the House, when the finger tip was exhibited by the Premier, one honourable -member, suggested that it might be a putty finger, but the Premier retorted that there was no mistake** about its genuinness.