LOSS TO INSTITUTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 139, 12 May 1930, Page 7

LOSS TO INSTITUTION

SUBSTANTIAL BEQUEST. SECRETARY’S DISCOURTESY. UNPRETENTIOUS DONOR. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received May 12, 9.5 a.m. SYDNEY, May 12. An elderly, quietly-dressed gentleman who, with his wife, was visiting Sydney and contributing largely to various philanthropic institutions, called at the office of one such a few days ago and asked to see the officer in charge. The secretary, misled by. the unpretentious visitor, curtly intimated that he must know the gentleman’s business before an interview was possible. The caller said that the matter was rather private, and that the institution stood to benefit considerably. The secretary’s indignation was aroused, and he exclaimed: “If you can’t state your business, it can’t be dene!” The visitor replied quietly:— “Please tell him that through the discourtesy of his secretary the institution loses this.” “This” was a cheque for £IO.OOO, which was torn up before the thunderstruck official’s eyes. The gentleman was Mr Charles McNess, of Perth, who made a fortune in that city and now spends his time helping deserving objects. But this apparently is not always easily accomplished. Mr McNess sent, a telegram to Mr J. H. Scullin, Prime Minister of Australia, offering £IO,OOO, if needed, for a certain worthy cause. The message was not answered, so another substantial cheque was cancelled.