A HAUNTED HOUSE.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1925, Page 4

A HAUNTED HOUSE.

ASSESSMENT COURT STORY

DUNEDIN. Feb. 27

The story of an allegedly haunted house in Dunedin was told in the Assessment Court this morning. John Downie, a lively veteran with a hoary heard, objected to the valuation of .£l2 placed on his five-roomed house in Maeandrew Road by the corporation officers. Dramafie gestures accompanied his emphatic remarks. He said that this year the valuation had been raised from £2B-to £32. He declared that it was far too high. ‘‘Why it s enormous," he added. ‘‘Micro has been a change for the worse in the 1 10perty since last year.” •‘Von must recollect Loo.” he proceeded. “that it’s a house that’s haunted. You must recollect that a. man committed suicide on the verandah. It’s a haunted house now. I cun t get mv tenants to stay.” The .Magistrate (Air .1. R. Bartholomew) : Did you buy it as a haunted house

The (ihit Mci : Yes. T bought 11 as a haunted house for £261).

“Thirty per cent!” he cried a minute later. “Why, upon my word, 1 couldn’t sleep for a week afterwards. A poor Jew wouldn't put that on.” Air R. Duncan (City \ aluer) said that the tenants of the house wore paying 15s per week. Downie occupied two rooms and the valuers had allowed 6s a week for them. The appellant said he had allowed tenants into the house only because ol the shortage. For bis Christian act of kindness in so doing lie was being taxed “And,” lie added. “I am 82 years old.” . . The Alagistrate: For your Christian act of kindnes-i you are getting £3O a year, but it seems to me that you could let the house for £1 a week at least. “If I did,” replied the objector, “f should want it to be paid twice a week. The tenant who was paving that would jump away and owe me rent and everything.” The valuation was sustained.