THE CRISP CASE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8839, 16 May 1914, Page 6

THE CRISP CASE.

TAILOR WHO BECAME A LAWYER

(Per Press Association.) t

DUNEDIN, May 15,

Keen interest was manifested in the case of Crisp,'the solicitor, tins morn ing. Some inteiesting particulars ol his career were gi\ en by Mr Macgi egor who appeared foi the pr'soner Oounse 1 explained that Crisp was originally a journeyman tailor with an ambition to become a lawyer He thiew up £1 weekly arid enteied a solicitor's ofiicc in a junior capacity at a small salar-f He remained there four years Ht worked hard, and passed his examinations, .and became qualified His on!-, experience was in Magistrate's Court, work. He had no training in book: keeping or conveyancing, and had never been taught to appreciate the vital importance of keeping trust accounts separate from the business income. He started practice in 1906 at Palmerston, and found . difficulty in making a living against competition He went back financially,: and at the end of 1909 owed £300. A rival solidtor left, selling his practice to Crisp for £650. With a millstone of ■ about £1000 he borrowed money. His practice was disappointing and.having- no training as a bookkeeper he could jkt get his money in, and fell into the wicked habit of drawing on the trnr.t account to. pay his way. He gradually got deeper in debt, and conceived ir 1911 the idea of committing a series of foolish and clumsy forgeries. He thpp commenced drinkinc arid neglecting hi; practice and his .affairs became public property. Then came the arrest. H<ran away on the advice of an injudicious friend.