Golden Casket

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1922, Page 4

Golden Casket

PRIZE NOT PAID. BRISBANE, Feb. 24

At the Holden Ceket head office this morning a. returned soldier piesoutodtlic winning, ticket? of the second priz.c in a recent drawing of the Casket, hut was informed that the prize could n*t he handed over a* “no cheques were htiing drawn.”

Further inquiries elicited the inforroati; ;i that although the small prizes were being paid in cash, the. large prizes .which are paid by cheque signed by Airs Theodore and Air Archer Lucas. the manager, were being withheld.

Pressed for khe reason for this state of affairs, Mr Lucas absolutely declined to discuss the matter. Further inquiries intd the cause of the apparent deadlock over th 0 payment of the larger prizes in the Casket eiidled the information that those whose names are generally prominent in connection with the sweep have not, lor some time at least, been exactly a happy family. Allegations have been made of attempts at undue interference in connection with office administration, the filling of vacancies, and other matters. Tliesq are said to have became so unbearable that a. determined stand has been taken at Casket headquarters, and it is asserted that a. plain report has been furnished to the Minister reviewing the whole position. Relations have become so strained that a deadlock has occurred. Until the difficulty is overcome—in other words, -until the. cheques are signed verniers are to wait lor their money.

Mr AI. .). Kinvitii. M.1..A., when .informed of the position in regard to cheques, said it was tin' first lie hod heard of if. He declined to discuss the situation.