SECRETARY WAS RUDE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 969, 12 May 1930, Page 9

SECRETARY WAS RUDE

BENEFACTOR TEARS UP CHEQUE FOR £IO,OOO HARD TO GIVE MONEY AWAY United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 9.50 a.m. SYDNEY, Today. An elderly quietly dressed gentleman, who with his wife has been visiting Sydney and contributing largely to various philanthropic institutions, called at the office of one such a few days ago and asked to see the officer-in-charge. The secretary, misled by his unpretentious exterior, curtly intimated that he must know his business before an interview was possible. The caller said the matter was rather private, but the institution stood to benefit considerably. The secretary’s indignation was aroused and he exclaimed: “If you cannot state your business, it cannot be done.” The visitor replied quietly: “Please tell him that through the discourtesy of his secretary, the institution loses this.” “This” was a cheque for £IO,OOO, which was torn up before the thunderstruck official’s eyes. The gentleman was Charles McNess, of Perth, who made a fortune in that city and who now spends his time in helping deserving objects. This apparently is not always easily accomplished for he sent a telegram to the Prime Minister, Mr. J. H. Scullin, offering £IO,OOO if needed for a certain worthy cause. The message was unanswered, so another substantial cheque was cancelled.