A CHARITABLE MONEY LENDER

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 March 1901, Page 4

A CHARITABLE MONEY LENDER

“ Sam ” Lewis, whose death was recorded last week, was the best-known figure In the fast set in London, being the greatest bill discounter and moneylender of the day. He originally lived in Dublin, where he was engaged in the same kind of business in connection with aMr Davis. Going to Loudon, some 35 years ago he soon gained notriety by his enormous transactions, _ Small business did not suit him, but if a man of means or expectations required a large amount of money for turf or gambling settlements, he immediately had recourse to Mr. Lewis, whose office was the rendezvous for all the London plungers. Personally Mr. Lewis was popular, and was noted for his large charities. He lived in a magnificent mansion in Grosvenor Square, which ;was filled with articles of vertu and pictures of great value. Arriongst some of his largest business transactions which became notorious were his dealings with the late Marquis of Aylesbury, Bcnzon, better known as the jubilee plunger, and the late Marquis of Hastings. Himself a heavy gamble!’, both at Monte Carlo and on the Stock Exchange, more _ especially in African shares, Mr. Lewis was exceptionally fortunate in his speculations, being credited with having at times won very large sums of money. Unlike many of his trade, Mr. Lewis was never known to inveigle young men to their ruin, but ho frequently pointed out to them the dmger of the course on which they were entering. He was about 60 years of age, and had no children.