BRITISH ELECTIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20591, 14 December 1928, Page 9

BRITISH ELECTIONS

BETTING COMEDY ON RESULT.

HATS AS STAKES.

(United Free* Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

LONDON, December 13. (Received Dec, 13, at 6.6 pirn.)' Sir William Joynson-Hicks and Lord Rothermere ar© engaged in a, betting comedy beneath all the spotlights of the jtress. Lord Rothermere declared that a Conservative Party victory at the general election was impossible, and Sir William Joynson-Hicks, at a meeting of the Ladies’ Imperial Club, said: “If so , I shall lose a new hat, tO Lord ; Rothermere.” Lord Rothermere telegraphed 'to Sir William Joynson-Hicks: “ Suppose ’ you make it money instead of hats. I’ll bet you £IOO to £lO that the Conservatives won t have a majority at the election.” Sir William telegraphed: “ Thanks for sporting offer, but I do not make money bets. In order to show I am as good a sportsman as you I'll bet yon two hats to one that we beat Mr Ramsay MacDonald and Mr Lloyd . George put to’ gether."

, Lord Rothermere has not replied, but he_ made the following statement:. “Sir William is only talking through his hat. He knows that the Conservativelb have not the remotest chance. They ate whistling to keep up their courage, but they wifi deceive no one."

Late to-night Lady Houston entered the comedy, and she'threatens to take all the spotlight. . She; asked Lord Rothermero if he would. offer in thousands the same odds as he offered Sir William Joyn-son-Hicka.—Australian Press Association.