CHRISTMAS

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 2564, 23 December 1924, Page 2

CHRISTMAS

ANjD A LOST CHEQUE.

Christmas! "And you won’t give me another cheque, boss?" said the Maori to the proprietor of a local hotel on Saturday. “No, not until the other one turns up and the Bank says it is all right,’ replied mine host. A brief announcement in Saturday’s "Times” that a cheque had been lost and the payment had been stopped was all that gave the clue to the above conversation. Inquiries elicited the fact that the Maori had brought in a large cheque to be cashed on Friday and was given in exchange a few notes and the publican’s cheque for the balance. Everything appeared to be alright until Friday night, when the Maori returned and intimated that he had lost the cheque. With his limited knowledge of money, he had requested the publican for another cheque to make good the one lost, but the request was promptly refused. There then commenced an argument and it was an argument in which one party knew what he was talking about and tjie ’Maori didn’t. The difficult discussion was interrupted by the police and the visitor adjourned for the night at the expense of the Crown. In the morning the lost cheque still gave him great concern and he again went into the matter with the publican. “But I have lost the other one, ana it is now no good,” replied the Maori. "You give me another one—l want the money.” he said. “I cannot do that until the original cheque turns up. How do I know it has not been presented at Taihape or some other place If I issue another one, I will probably have to meet two cheques and I cannot lay myseb open to that,” replied the hotle keeper. "Oh, its not at Taihape," said the Maori, "Its lost. You give me another one/* , , j i “Nothing doing,” replied mine host. "You call round on Monday—there might be something doing then.” . “Christmas —I want the money for Christmas” said the Maori. "Well, if you bring back the other cheque or find it, I will give you the money all right,” said the publicanEhoa left the hotel grumbling very much and seemingly doubting the hotel-keeper’s word about being unable to issue another cheque. However, yesterday morning the lost cheque was discovered, and the Maori was quickly on the scene to re. ceive payment. Just how it came back is not known, but Bhoa is now spending It in the direction of enjoying the festive season. __