THE “GIFT WATCHES” SWINDLE.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XII, Issue 2341, 25 April 1906, Page 2

THE “GIFT WATCHES” SWINDLE.

For some years past a London firm trading under the name of Dorey, Lester and Co., have been circularising residents of this colony, offering gold watches and other jewellery at absurdly low prices. Many people have forwarded money to this firm, but it is doubtful if they have ever received the articles they ordered. Two or three residents of Timaru have been victimised by this enterprising firm, and in view of the tact that circulars are still being sent to New Zealand, the experience of a Greymouth gentleman, Mr W. Rae, may he of interest. Two of his friends forwarded money to Dorey, Lester and Co. two years ago, ordering three gold watches, hut received neither w"atehes nor reply. After some months they wrote to the Postmaster at London, asking if the money had been received, and received a reply to the effect that it had been paid over to the firm mentioned, a duplicate of the receipt being forwarded. The Postmaster’s answer was sent on to Dorey, Lester and Co., but no reply was received. Mr Rae shortly after had occasion to take a trip Home, and while in London he went to the address given in the circular, anil found it was a private house with the firm's name on a brass plate on the door. He interviewed a member of the firm, who admitted receiving the money, but said he had been unable to get the watches made fast enough to fill orders. As soon as he received the watches, they would be forwarded. As two years had elapsed since the orders were given. Mr Rae considered the excuse was a trifle thin, and lie pressed for immediately delivery, threatening to put the matter in the hands of the police if the watches were not in his hands within a week. He received the watches within the stipulated period. and forwarded them to his friends. So far as his observation could discover, Messrs Dorey. Lester and Co. had no jewellery whatever on their premises, and there is no doubt that the business they carry on is one of impudent fraud.