THE CONFIDENCE TRICK.

Waikato Times, Issue 3204, 7 January 1893, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE CONFIDENCE TRICK.

I iiavk heard a story which to show that visitors from New Zealand prove easy preys for the numerous class here who are constantly ou the look-out for victims. A. well known resident in one of tho suburbs of Duncdin, after over a quarter of a century's hard "graft" at his business, thought bo would take advantage of tho cheap steamer fares, and revisit the scenes of his digging experiences. Accordingly he came over to Melbourne last month, and had a good time in visiting the " lions" of the city. Unfortunately, he was rather free and easy, and his liberality brought him into some strange company. One day he came across two men very respectably dressed, of pleasant maimers, and disposed to put thcNcwZealaudcr in the way of easily recouping his expenses. Your Duncdin friend lent a too willing car to the schemers, who on the next occasion of their meeting was joined by a man who professed to. be connected with eomo of the best families in tho city, and, having " plenty of spare cash, you know," was desirous of ontering into the speculation as a sleeping partner. He offered—and produced the actual cash there and then—to put £IOOO into the thing if the other three found £.IOO apiece. Tho trio wore delighted with their new acquaintance, and over the jovial glass they had a merry time in toasting ono another and wishing success to their prospective venture. It need hardly bo said that they wero not very clear-headed'when they separated. The Dunodinito lost no time in communicating with his banker, and in little more than a fortnight he received a draft of £3OO, which, ho duly cashed and proceeded to the appointed rendezvous, His three professed partners wore there to time, Thoy had hud almost daily meetings in the interval, and discussed tho details of thoir venture. When they met on this day two of thorn, together with tho New inlander, had brought the requisite money with them, As a matter of fact, the latter had nearly £IOO in his possession, and nearly £IOOO was put on the table. The "swell" member of tho firm was present, but found innumerable oxcuscs for not" pu'tingnp" his share of tho capital; but he was prepared with no end of guarantees that it should bo forthcoming beforo the week was out. Seeing that no business was possible—the thoughts of some of them were evidently intent en tho New Zealauder's little capital-one of the company suggested a game of " heads and tails," just nmong themselves, " to while away tho time." Tho Dunedinite was a passive spectator at first, but he was soon induced to speculate a little ou the chances of one of his whilom friends. At first he won but then the tido of fortune turned against him. Then he followed up his luck, wiuniug a little, but always losing iv great deal more when he backed the wrong side of the coin. The game, while it lasted, was fast and merry, and at its conclusion the New Zeilauder found himself minus all his money hut a few pounds. It was then that he smelt a rat, and turning upon the rest of his companions, accused them of robbing him, A frco fight would have resulted if two of them had not succeeded in pinning him down till the" swell" succeeded in making himself scarce. Then they professed the utmost commiseration for his misfortune, and offered to make his loss good if he accompanied thein to Sydney. He was fool enough to believe and trust them, paid the passage of one of them to Sydney, and accompanied him on board the steamer about to sail from that port to Auckland. Before the steamer sailed, however, he managed to give tho New Zealaodei' the slip, and has not been, nor is he likely to be, heard of since, He returns to his home a sadder and a wiser man. nearly £501) poorer than when he ltft Diinedin, and has made a vow that he will not make another tour of Australia as long as he lives.—Duncdin Star's Melbourne correspondent.