LOTTERY-MAD ITALY INCENSED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17771, 15 February 1926, Page 1

LOTTERY-MAD ITALY INCENSED.

HUNCHBACK TIPSTER FAILS TO PICK WINNING NUMBER AND FLEES TO ESCAPE WRATH OF FOOLISH BETTORS.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. (Kcccivcd February 15, 9.5 a.m.) ROME, February 14. The whole of Italy forgot the Mussolini-Stresemann controversy in the State lottery, which culminated yesterday with excitement at the highest pitch. A hunchback, named Torraca, had lately been forecasting winning numbers with extraordinary accuracy.. He never backed his own tips, but was always content with gifts from those who had benefited from them.. In consequence of this he was regarded as a hero and seer, whereas formerly he lived in poverty in the village of San Ferdinando. He had lately been presented a palatial house. The Mayor is said to have won £IO,OOO through Torraca’s tips and many girls won large doweries. He was besieged for tips for the latest lottery. It is estimated that 50,000 people have crowded into San Ferdinando during the last few days to seek news, and such was his fame that the whole country was absorbed in gambling. There was scarcely a household in Italy without a ticket in the latest lottery. Unfortunately this time Torraca was unsuccessful. He gave 33.48 instead of the winning number 34.49. Subscribers ascribed his error to over-tiredness and Torraca complained that he did not have time to make elaborate calculations. The latest news is he has disappeared, having fled in a motor-car from the village to escape the wrath of those who had believed in his infallibility.

It is estimated that £250,000 was lost in Naples alone, and in Palmero £125.000.

Never have Italian people suffered so severely, but the State has gained enormously.