WINNING “TREBLE”

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1930, Page 2

WINNING “TREBLE”

CAUSES TROUBLE. (By Telegraph- Per Press Association.) GISBORNE, Oct. 7. When the" Grand National race meeting took place at Christchurch in August last, three most important races were won by Aurora Borealis, Toxeuma and Oannthia. A Gisborne resident sorted out these as probable winners, and . invested a sum of money on a treble. The investment was made through ail acquaintance, Charles D. Ferguson. Later the successful "punter,” Trevor Milton Hansen, went to collect the proceeds, and lie received only £75, instead ol £l5O, as he expected. In the heat of a subsequent . argument, Hansen' used certain words to Ferguson, who then brought a civil action for slander, claiming £75 damages. The words complained of were wed in plaintiff’s shop in the hearing of a.number of customers, the actual words alleged being: “I know you’ve got that money, and I want it. I know you’ve got it. You’re a thief? Thought I could trust you, bu t you’re nothing but a thief 1” The case was heard before Mr P. H. Harper, S.M., in the Magistrate’s

Court to-day, and Ferguson was awarded £6 damages and costs. Hansen also proceeded against Ferguson on a claim for £75 10s, but he was non-suited, without costs at a very early stage in this action. The court was crowded.