A Stranded " Doctor"

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XXIV, Issue 427, 19 March 1921, Page 3

A Stranded " Doctor"

MEETS SOME GOOD SAMARITANS.

Some little time ago a man ' called at Mr Ward's place at Lake road and represented himself to be a "Dr Clayton," of Ashburton. ' His stoin- 'Was that he had come out to Lake road by car and that the car had been sent on with his bag and instruments. Mr Ward was sympathetic and possibly thinking that some day he might need assistance himself, took the supposed medical man across to Dunsandel. Desiring to do the. "doctor" another.; good turn, ho went with him to Mr H- A. Brown who was asked, for a blank cheque form, as his own cheque book had •unfortunately been left at home. The "doctor" told his tale in convincing style— he, must get to Ashburton at the jearliest possible moment, as there were some urgent cases waiting—and not suspecting', that anything was wrong, Mr Brown produced the blank clicque form. "Dr Clayton" filled ii in for a modest £5 and as-Mr-Brown had not enough change on the premises at the time, Mr Ward and his new "friend" went along to Mr W. J. Stephens's store, where' the cheque was cashed. The Dmsandel Hotel was next visited, '' Dr Clayton" insisting that Mr Ward should have a 'little lubrication with him before, they parted company and each went his own wayA motor cycle and side car happened along and the rider, very kindly gave the stranded "physician" a lift to Ashburton. "Clayton" subsequently got to the North Island, where he fell into the long arm of the law ancl was sentenced to two years' reformative treatment for forgery and- Lilse pretences. He had a nice little list of previous convictions in consequence of having indulged in the same interesting pastime in other occasions.

Mr W. Lambie, Lakeside, has purchased a Dodge touring car. Train arrangements for the Easter holidays are advertised. Mr J. Nixon judged tthe English Leicester shehep, Mr I- Andrew, the Shropshires and Rylands, Mr J. A. Scott the shorthorn and fat cattle, Mr T. W. Crossen the Friesians, and Mr F. G. Frampton the pigs at Ashburton show on Thursday. . • The monthly, meeting of the Leeston Progress League will be held on Monday next-instead, of Wednesday. The special business of the meeting is to discuss the fire brigade scheme with a view to making recommendations oir the council's report. Several members wish to discuss the advisability of a town board. «.The meeting is held a little earlier on account of the Easter holidays.'