CAUTION TO TRADESMEN.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9085, 18 May 1891, Page 2

CAUTION TO TRADESMEN.

TO THE EDITOE. Sib,—l would caution the tradesmen of the place against anypne who may call npon them for goods with an order irom a local clergyman, or any gentleman reputed to help the needy. This man earnestly begs, not money, but a letter worded to the following effect: — " Please supply the bearer, Mr —, with such goods as lie may select to the value of 10s, and I will bo responsible for the amount."

This person then takes this letter to the dealer to whom it ia addressed and explains that it is merely a guarantee, .and that he intends to pay for the goods himself by instalments.' Every day he pays small sums and obtains, if possible, more goods. In this way he secures the confidence, of the dealer till goods have been given far in excess of the guarantee. The dealer, and he who gave the guarantee, aro both swindled, and the game is played on others simultaneously in different parts of the t>wn. He has another string to his bow. He calls on a tailor, and represents that be is travelling for a well-known firm. Goods are quoted at unheard, of prices, and he further promises to take it out Jby •pntra. The delighted tailor thinks he has " a soft thing on," i orders the goods and measures the man. In a few days the tweed S'rit is handed over. Needless to Bay the tailor never gets the goods, he ordered, and finds when too late that his bird has flown ! Verbuni sab sapicnti. I can speak with authority on this subject, having myself been victimised in another town. —l am, &c, C. H. Murray. May 18th, 1891. ,