DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND.

Observer, Volume 4, Issue 89, 27 May 1882, Page 162

DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND.

Talking of levanting contractors reminds us of a rather good story which has not yet found its way into print, concerning the manner in whieha local capitalist, who owns a considerable amount of property in and about the city, was " had" by a young countryman. The capitalist in question is Mr Adamß, and the man who gets to windward of him in a financial transaction deserves the , credit of his smartness. Some time, ago Mr Adams called for tenders for the construction of several houses in Grey-street, and the succcessful tenderer was a young man from the land o' cakes named O. He was said to/be a goocl workman, and had been monopolising all ;bhe;fafc contracts for some time previously;' Weil^tKe buildings went up, and when they were approaching completion O. waited upon his employer, and telling Mm 1 tliat lie was going -out of town for a few days, asked him if he wotild pay him the contract money, in order that he might leave the wages for the men, and the amount necessary for painting before going on his trip. Adams saw . the buildings were practically finished and only required painting, and therefore paid the money over without the slightest demur. Next'inorning. th,e wily Scotch contractor was -missings *the\ workmen were hunting for their vages): the timber merchant and others for the value' of vtneii? , goods, while Adams had reason to. lament .his rashness in paying for the painting of his houses-

.. Ijefore the work 'was* done. It is needless to say \ ; that O. has not been in Auckland since, and there is than one local tradesman who laments \ how he was " nipped" by an " honest" Scotchman "when reading of Chatwin's case.