LONG FIRM SWINDLE

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 96, 25 April 1893, Page 8

LONG FIRM SWINDLE

SUSPICIOUS CASE IN WELLINGTON.

(BY TELEGRAM—OWN COKEESPONDENT.) '

Wellington, this day. An arresb was made last nighb at Featherston of one of a supposed -gang of " long firm" swindlers, who ib is believed have been carrying on business by a system of fraud in and between this city and Wairarapa districb. Various Btores were established at townships in the "Wairarapa, and goods were obtained to stock them, partly by small payments on account, and by bills. The police, knowing the character of ono of the firm especially, who. had made their acquaintance previously in many criminal episodes, have been watching these operations for some time back, and lasb night they arrested one of the firm, as already stated. The victims of the alleged swindle are nob numerous, nor are the amounts large, the heaviest being something under seventy pounds. Later.

The principal in the supposed long firm is stated to. be William Thompson, who is nob known to the police, and so far he has not been arrested. Of the others, the notorious J. W. Crabtree is arrested on a charge of acting as agent ab Featherston, and G. W. Goode is also arrested. The latter is a native of Tasmania. Many firms are said to have been victims, some for amountß approaching £100.