ELECTION BET

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 536, 13 December 1928, Page 9

ELECTION BET

“Jix” and Rothermere In a Comedy A WOMAN ALSO (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 2.15 p.m. LONDON, Wednes., The Home Secretary, Sir William Joynson-Hicks, and Lord Rothermere, the newspaper magnate, engaged in a betting comedy beneath all the spotlights of the Press. Lord Rothermere declared that a Conservative Party victory at the General Election was impossible. Sir William, at a meeting of the Ladies’ Imperial Club, said: “If that is so, I shall lose a new hat to Lord Rothermere.” Lord Rothermere telegraphed to Sir

William: “Suppose you make it money instead of hats. I’ll bet you £IOO to a tenner that the Conservatives do not get a majority at the election.” The Home Secretary telegraphed: “Thanks for the sporting offer. I do not make money bets, but in order to show I am as good a sportsman as you I will bet you two hats to one that we beat Ramsay MacDonald and Lloyd George put together.” Lord Rothermere did not reply, but made a statement that Sir William was only talking through his hat. “He knows the Conservatives have not the remotest chance, and he is whistling to keep up his courage. He will deceive no one.” Late to-night, Lady Houston, the millionaire, entered the comedy. She threatens to take all the spotlight. She asked Lore® Rothermere whether he would offer her in thousands the same odds as he offered Sir William Joyn-son-Hicks.