New Zealand Ghosts & Other Haunts

Generous ghost angers pub landlady
A pub landlady is hoping to enlist the help of an exorcist to banish a ghost that insists on topping up customers' glasses

A pub landlady is hoping to enlist the help of an exorcist in order to banish a ghost that insists on topping up customers' glasses.

Janice McCormack, of the Apsley House in Southsea, has become increasing vexed at the ghost's machinations.

"It happens when customers pop to the loo or put their pint down for a second," she explained. "When they look back there's an extra inch of beer. It must come from my pumps."

This peculiar spirit with a penchant for spirits first made his presence felt nine months ago. Regulars have nicknamed him Reedy, in honour of the famously thirsty actor Oliver Reed.

"My regulars love it but it is costing me," Mrs McCormack added.

"People are drinking less as their pints are being filled up all the time. My stocktaking figures are all out. We get more customers through the door but it seems to be people expecting a cheap, never-ending pint."

Ms McCormack believes she will need to adopt to a suitably supernatural strategy to rid her premises of the generous ghoul. If a séance doesn't work, she intends to enlist the services of an exorcist.