“EXTRAORDINARY”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 278, 5 September 1936, Page 7

“EXTRAORDINARY”

TROUBLE OVER GOLD CHAIN.

DEALER DENIES PURCHASE. CANCELLATION OF LICENSE. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, September 4. “Extraordinary,’ commented Mr Levvey, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court to-day when John Tredrea, a licensed second-hand dealer, gave a flat denial to a statement that he had purchased a gold chain. Defendant maintained his attitude despite the fact that an independent witness who was in the shop at the time said that the transaction had been completed. The Magistrate offered to adjourn the ease for a week to enable Tredrea to consult a solicitor, but defendant refused to take advantage of the offer, and in addition to being fined for breach of the Act, his license was cancelled. Tredrea was charged with failing to enter the purchase of a gold chain in accoi'danco with the provisions of the Second-hand Dealers Act. Evidence was given by complainant and by a witness that he was in the shop at the time, and heard the sale being completed. Tredrea did not cross-examine the witness, but he elected to give evidence himself. “1 did not purchase the chain,” he said. The Magistrate: Extraordinary. Defendant: No it is not extraordinary. I have been in Melbourne when they have sneaked jewellery into sec-ond-hand shops in the toes of old shoes and then accused the dealers with receiving stolen property. The Magistrate: Are you inferring .that they are trying to put you out of business.

Defendant: No. Chief-Detective Dunlop: Are you alleging that the police are “framing” you in this cßse? —No. Well, what is your case? Denial of purchasing the chain?—Yes. Why should these other men come here and tell lies?—l don't know what tho idea is.

“If he takes up this attitude I will have to ask for cancellation of his license,” commented the Chief-Detec-tive. “I do not know what is at the back of his mind. The only conclusion I can arrive at is that he thought the chain was stolen.”

The Magistrate (to the defendant): Do you w r ant to lose your license? Defendant f No, sir. “I am considering whether I am going to take it away as a result of your astounding behaviour to-day,” remarked the Magistrate. “1 do not wish to take the most drastic step, hut you are putting mo in a very awkward position,” said the Magistrate to defendant. “I will adjourn the matter for a week to allow you to consult a solicitor.”

“I would rather go on with it straight away,” said Tredrea. The Chief-Detective: I think that in the interests of the public his license should be taken away. If lie proves he is competent, to hold, one later he can make further application. The Magistrate imposed a fine of £2 and cancelled defendant’s license.