CONFIDENCE MEN AGAIN

Otago Witness, Issue 4042, 1 September 1931, Page 28

CONFIDENCE MEN AGAIN

ANOTHER NEW ZEALAND VICTIM £235 THIS TIME DROPPED WALKING STICK. (From Oub Own Correspondent.) LONDON, July 21. The High Commissioner has had printed notices put up in the entrance ball of New Zealand House, warning New Zealanders about confidence men, and asking readers of the New Zealand papers thenon file to be on their guard, against getting into conversation with strangers. Since the display of the notice, how ever, there has been a fresh New Zea land victim. The story, as related, runs something like this: — A man, looking over one of the New Zealand illustrated papers, remarked: “Good old Wanganui! How I love that place.” No reply. The man ’. “ This is a splendid photo graph of Auckland. These New Zealand papers are good. I haven’t seen any in London to touch them. Auckland is a fine place.” Next man becomes interested. “ Yes, it is. I know it.” First man: “Do you come from New Zealand? ” Second man: “ Yes, I arrived not long ago on a holiday. Never been in London before.” Conversation soon becomes local about New Zealand, and general about England —about London in particular. First man: “ Have you seen the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace? ” Second man : “ No.” First man: “ Let us go and have a walk to Ute park. It’s an interesting sight and a nice morning.” Off they go from the Strand, and stroll on through St. James’s Park. ACT 11. The two arrive at an excellent vantage to witness the picturesque military ceremony which always dej/ghts visitors; They stand and wait and still chat in a friendly way. In a little while the New Zealander stoops to pick up a walking stick which has fallen across his feet. He hands it to the elderly man who seems to have dropped it. “Thank you very much,” says the man profusely. “How awfully nice of you. People are. not often so polite in these days.” “ Don’t mention it,” replies the other. “Are you an Englishman? ” comes the inquiry. “lam a visitor. I come from overseas.” “Really, how interesting! That accounts for your politeness. Where do you belong? ” “ New Zealand.” First man and third man get chatting. Changing of the Guard takes place. They are all interested. Then, when it is over, all three stroll away together. ACT HI. One stranger talks about a business venture. This time it is some scheme to make money by selling photographs of the Pope. New Zealander gradually becomes interested. Then, one of the men proposes to give £lOOO to the Napier Earthquake Relief Fund if the New Zealander will take a financial interest in the photographic venture. New Zealander' displays no keenness about the suggestion. One stranger to the other: “ Look here,-1 will give you £4OO. It seems a likely proposition, and the Napier people must have had an awful experience.” He herewith produces a roll of notes and puts them into the inside coat pocket of the other stranger’, who holds his coat back for the purpose. “ Look,” he then says to the New Zealander. “ I think this is a fine scheme. Won’t you decide to join in? You see, I have just handed over £400.” The New Zealander ponders. He is ; stiß not really keen. Talk in a friendly way continues, however, and the visitor begins to show a little interest in the proposition. In due course, he takes £2OO in notes from his pocket book, and pops it into the pocket of the stranger alongside the £4OO. He next dives into his trouser pocket and produces 35 golden sovereigns. These, too, disappear into the waiting chasm.

Next thing the men disappear tea! The New Zealander is left with nothing; Chagrin prevents him informing the police, who doubtless are quite ready to pounce upon the men if information is laid. Proscutions are seldom possible because the victims are overcome with shame at having been so easily gulled. It is so easy to be wise after the event. Poor New Zealand man hopes shortly to get away from England. One remedy seems to be to close down the public reading section in the hall. When the papers were upstairs, strangers apparently did not enter the building. But even this possible safeguard will not render the innocent traveller immune from the machinations of those charming fellows—the confidence gangsters! EJvery traveller must be aware of talking to strangers anywhere.