Article 2 in our series on William Hills: A discussion in Hyde Park
He and his brother booked their passage to South Africa on the Warwick Castle.
Seeking more excitement than he was likely to get as a “Gentleman of the Press” in Britain, William Hills decided to set sail for South Africa.
After all, it had lions, he wrote in the Benoni City Times in 1940, in a story about his life as a journalist.
Having secured his steamer fare, Hills went to Spring Grove, Isleworth, London, to tell his family about his plans and was met by his 16-year-old brother, George.
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#JourneyTo100Years: Part 1 of our series on William Hills, founder of the City Times
“As we walked through Hyde Park discussing the matter he was first astonished, then enthusiastic and finally insistent on accompanying me.
“But, unfortunately, he had no money nor were my people able to assist. Moreover, they thought he was too young to adventure to foreign parts. However, where there’s a will there’s a way.”
Hills had meanwhile secured a billet on the South African Press.
“I answered an advertisement in the London Daily News, which in those days carried all the press advertisements. Determined to impress at all costs, I wore a top hat and frock coat and tried to appear very grown up and dashing.”
It was a wonder this did not cost him the billet, he wrote.
“Then the inquisitor began. I do not know if he went back to my school days and the old grammar school tie, but
I do know he was very insistent on my being an all-round man.
“On a South African paper you had to be prepared to turn your hand to anything he said, prize fights or prayer meetings, and I replied that I must then be just the man for him.”
Hills left the office at 44 Leadenhall Street, London, an “engaged” man out of, he was told, 100 applicants.
He and his brother booked their passage on the Warwick Castle. Hills wrote his passage money proved just enough for both of them to travel if they went in a lower class.
Next time: The first pyjamas cause a sensation
(Information compiled by: Carol Stier).
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