HUNCHBACK’S FAME

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1926, Page 3

HUNCHBACK’S FAME

ITALIANS (JO CRAZY

THE. STATE BENEFITS.

(Received this day at 10.25 a.m.l ROME, Feb. 1 I

The whole of Italy lias forgot the Mussoliiii-Stressemniin controversy in the State lottery, culminating yesterday with excitement at the highest pitch. A hunchback named Torraea had lately been forecasting winning numbers with extraordinary accuracy. He never backed his own tips, hut was always content, with gifts from those who had benefited from them, in consequence of which he was regarded as a hero and seer. Whereas, formerly, he lived in poverty in the village ol ejan Ferdinando, lie has lately been presented with a palatial house. The Mayor is said to have won £lO,000 through Torraea’s tips. Many girls won large dowries. Torraea’s was besieged for tips for the latest lottery and it is estimated that 09.000 people have crowded into San Ferdinando during the last few days to seek news.

Such was the hunchback's fame that the whole country was absorbed in gambling, and there was scarcely a house-hold in Italy without a ticket in the latest lottery. Unfortunately, this time, Torraea was unsuccessful. He gave 33.48 instead of the winning number which was 34.49. Subscribers ascribed his error to over-tiredness. Torraea, complained that he did not have tiro? to make elaborate oakulations. The latest is Torraea has disappeared. having fled in a motor car from the village to escape the wrath of those who had believe! in his infallibility. It is stimated that a quarter of a'million sterling was lost in Naples alone, and in Palermo £125.000. Never have Italian people suffered so severely, hut the State has gained enormously.

MILLIONS FOR ITALY. ROME. February 14. It is estimated that Torraea was responsible for pouring into the coffers of the State one hundred million lira, sufficient to pay the annual charges on the debt to Britain and America. One office in Naples had to suspend operations owing to the density of the crowd. Faith in the prophet may wane, because to-day there has been no report of any numbers given by him being successful.