A GOLD MAKER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2246, 27 August 1891, Page 4

A GOLD MAKER.

The American newspapers contain many incidents in the career of a “ goldmaker,” who is variously known in that country as “ Sheeny A 1 ” and “ Alf ” West. In 1888 this man engaged a suite of rooms in North Charles street, Baltimore. He introduced himself to a real estate agent as a Mr Gebhart, and said he desired his aid to develop a gold scheme which was a “sure thing,” and would bring both of them a fortune. The agent called at Gebhart’s rooms, and at the latter’s reqiiest gave him a gold dollar, which was put into a crucible with some white powder. The gold dollar was melted down and then the metal was allowed to cool. Subsequently the lump of gold was given to the agent to take to the mint for assay. The mint sent a report that the amount of gold was three times the weight of the dollar that had been placed in the crucible. Tests with larger amounts were made with the same result, and the agent was convinced of the genuine character of the experiments. He introduced Gebhart to a number of wealthy merchants, before whom the experiments were repeated with equal success. The capitalists were satisfied, and a stock company was formed. It was agreed that a private house should be engaged, in which a furnace and two iron vats should be erected for carrying out the manufacture of gold upon a large scale. One of the persons interested gave up his house for the purpose and the necessary arrangements for melting the gold were quickly completed. One member of the Gold Increasing Company famished £ IO,OOO in gold and four other gentlemen contributed £2OO and were to share proportionately in the profits. In the presence of all Gebhart put the gold into one of the vats over a large fire and added the mysterious powder and other unknown chemicals. He would not allow others to approach the vat, because he said that the fumes were too dangerous. The vat had an iron cover, which was securely padlocked, and all the entrances to the house were locked and sealed, and the keys handed over to the At the expiration of some clays Gebhart sent a note to the chairman of the company saying that urgent business called him to Washington, but he would be back in a few days. He did not return for some time, however, and suspicion being aroused, the vat was opened. The gold had vanished, hnd the vat was found to contain a number of bricks and some scrap-iron. Mr Gebhart was never again seeii in Baltinore.