THE POPLAR GUARDIANS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 232, 28 September 1908, Page 5

THE POPLAR GUARDIANS.

FURTHER CONSPIRACY CHARGES. (Received 5.15 a.m.) LONDON, September 27. Seven Poplar Guardians and exGuardians were charged at the Thames Police Court on Saturday with conspiracy to defraud the Board of Managers of the Poplar Stepney Sick Asylum district. They were remanded on nan. The prosecution allege that the frauds were conducted by allowing James Calcutt, builder, to effect repairs to the Blaekwell branch asylum at his own unchecked prices. The trial is a sequel to that of ten of Mile End guardians and ex-guardians which ended on August 7 last, after a very lengthy hearing. The guardians combined to put Cajcutt in as a contractor for public works at exorbitant prices, obtaining for him immunity from ail control. Out of the excessive sums charged a percentage of the illegal profits was doled out quarterly by Caleutt to the guardians, ;ome receiving casb and others presents varying from a suit of clothes to a goose or turkey. Calcutt. who is serving six months for obtaining money under false pretences, gave the guardians away. The highest amount of graft received by any guardian was £1,000. and that by a man who had thrice been Mayor of the neighlouring London borough. The sentences varied from two years down to nine months.