CONFIDENCE TRICK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20982, 19 September 1931, Page 12 (Supplement)

CONFIDENCE TRICK.

A DODGE THAT FAILED. " MAN WHO ALWAYS WINS." demanded in custody at Margate, George Gordon, aged 57, of no fixed residence, was alleged to havo attempted to obtain £IO,OOO by h confidence trick from Mr. Gerald Odenwall, a retired teacher, of Holsingfors, Finland. According to Mr. Odenwall, who is on holiday in England, ho met Gordon at |ho zoo, and in conversation Gordon staled that, he had eomo from Buenos Aires, where lie had a large farm. The couple went, about together, and \vhen thev entered a taxicab one day Gordon showed him a wallet, which he declared ho had found in the cab. It contained £2O in notes and newspapers, including a cutting and photograph of a, man named Forbes, who was described as " Iho man who always wins." The reference was to horse racing. Oil Gordon's suggestion the two men went to the hotel and saw Forbes, who offered them the £2O as a reward. When they refused it he told them ho would put, tho money on a horse for them. They won £4O, and Forbes said he would put that on another horse. Mr. Odenwall added that. Gordon told him they had won £125.000, but would have to deposit £40,000 to establish credit before they could draw the money. Gordon promised to find £50,000 from sources in America, Forbes intimated that he would put. down £IO.OOO and Mr. Odenwall said ho would get. £IO,OOO from Ilclsingl'ors. Mr. Odenwall added (hat he had suspicions about Gordon and Forbes and did not intend to give any money away until be was quito sure about it. While waiting for his money to arrive from Finland he and Gordon went down to Margate, where Gordon was arrested.