THE ARTFUL “DROPPER.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 63, 28 October 1911, Page 3

THE ARTFUL “DROPPER.”

Not long ago tho Christchurch correspondent of the Auckland “Star*’ wrote: “Housewives in the city have frequent experiences, of the backdoor vendor of cheap goods, and many.••women have purchased spurious articles from glib merchants who, bv artful talk, have accomplished a Side of worthless articles. With a limited field to work upon, and the necessity of seem ing trade in the midst of Keen competition, the confidence merciiant of this type—a “dropper” ho is termed by the criminal class—lias to resort, to many artifices, and to appear with novel ideas to induce people to part with their money. One salesman who has succeeded in victimising many housewives recently lias dealt in a brand of “confidence tea” that has given to its purchaser little more than food for reflection. His methods are simple and alluring;. He apoears at tho door.with a packet bf tea less than a pound, and on the appearance., of the housewife he presses this upon her. following it with a teapot wni'ffi he presents to her, fie then speaks of handsome cruets to be given nwav with the tea packets, but he docs not ‘•.how tho utricles. His victim is then informed that the imi and teapot are presentations, but that if a coupon is found iu the packet a lee of 2a (Id must be paid. He icassurcr his victim by stating that only one packet in every twenty contain;, a coupon, and then he a.ffis her to investigate tho packet and learn her fate. 'the search is made, and the coupon is discovered. In most cases the “lamb” pays the half-crown, and the ‘dioppm ” goes on’ Ids way rejoicing, and it is only on rare occasions that he meets with ducat. Large numbers of people have been visited by tho awi'-han t, and after ids departure the. tea lias always been found to lie worthless, and the teapot to be ol very little more worth.” We rep/rinf this article because we arc told ilial arlivfs of a like character if pot ihe ••.••line, have? been in evidence iu this district lately. The credulous housekeeper should be on guard, and beware of the canvasser and hawker.