who has sent in their cheque?, page-8

What you are describing is a 'bonus' issue.

Unfortunately, it is obvious that many are not familiar with;
Bonus issues
Renounceable Rights issues
Non-renounceable rights issues,
Share purchase plans,
Ex dates
Record dates
Contributing shares (remember BrisConn?)
and the old lamented NL shares, (no liability)

..what they mean and the major differences between them.

I'm not here to educate, but I will say that it is essential to always know exactly what you are buying, - because the seller will always certainly know what he is selling. Its a jungle out there.