ROMANCE OF THE TOTE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1810, 6 April 1918, Page 1

ROMANCE OF THE TOTE.

A well-known local resident made up his mind to make money at tiic Feilding races. Like most folk, he was in particular need of it, a not unusual condition of those who try to retrieve their fortunes, unsuccessfully, on the turf. When the sixth race' came on he was almost “ skinned,” only half-a-sovereign being his earthly possessions. He approached another old resident whose one-time duties mainly comprised stiffening up the frailties of human nature, and essayed to borrow sufficient to pay for a tote ticket. He was met by a suggestion -to “make it a ‘liver/ ” to which he assented, and rushed off and secured five tickets on an outsider.- The five tickets materialised after the race into £115! The subject of this story stayed not on the order of his going, but made a beeline for home, regardless of the fact that the races, were not over. Big dividends frequently elicit remarkable stories at races. Here are four of yesterday: A man casually asked a pressman for a good outside tip, and he was told “Lord Ainslie.” He returned shortly after with nearly a third of .a century! Another had some money to invest for his .son-in-law, but did not like the selections personally. At last he decided to consult his daughter about putting,£l of it on Jean Laddo, Like a good wife she stuck to her husband's selection, and so the investment was not made on the mare which paid almost a score. Another investor (a lady) had lost all her cash, and made up her mind to cash a cheque for £l2 with the club. She, got twelve tickets in return on Marqueteur—result, over £200! A lady asked for two tickets on number 9..1n the same, race, and was given number 10. She protested in tears, but the window was shut .down for the race without redress. No. 10 won and paid over a score! — Feilding Star.