ADVENTURER AT WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1917, Page 7

ADVENTURER AT WORK.

A FARMER VICTIMISE!). Masterton. July 12. A man giving the name of "Wilson, presumably the same individual who exploited Manawatu and Hawke's 'Bay, visited the Wairarapa a few weeks ago. It ha 9 just transpired that he called at the residence of a farmer at Kopuaranga, and, under the plea that his motor-cycle had broken down, obtained lodging for the night, He represented himself as a returned soldier, in the employ of the Gear Moat Company, having a holiday on account'of tlie slack season. He ascertained that the farmer was supplying rabbits to a firm, in Hawke's Bay, and suggested that the Gear Company, would pay n higher price than the Hawke's Bav firm for rabbits. The farmer made out an account for £'26 for a month's supply of rabbits to the Hawkp'a Bay firm, and the visitor offered to post the letter while ho was inquiring by telephone from the Gear Company. Wilson did not return, and in a day or two the suspicions of the frfrmer became aroused. He thereupon communicated with the Hawke's Bay firm in regard to his account, and found t'liat the account had been collected personally in cash. This is tl'.e last he has heard o! Wilson.

Another farmer at Opaki staes that a man giving the name of Wilson called upon him about the same time and said he was a representative of the Agricultural Department looking for land for returned soldiers. lie got some land placed under offer, and left his address The farmer commiirticated with him, but his letter was returned through the Dead Letter Office.