BANK CLERK CHARGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 114, 15 May 1924, Page 4

BANK CLERK CHARGED.

ALLEGED FORGERY AND THEFT

A MYSTERIOUS PARCEL.

JURY FAILS TO AGREE.

(Bj Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

The trial of Reginald Hoggard, a clerk, formerly in the Te Aro tranch of the National Bank, on charges of having forged a cheque for £117 17/, in the name of the bank, uttering the same,: and, alternatively with the theft of that sum, was ended last night. The jury after deliberating for four hours, re--turned at 9.30 o'clock, stating thai there was no hope of agreement.

Evidence was given concerning the two cheques alleged to have been forged by accused. An accountant at the bank described certain entries made by accused in the bank's books as "fictitious."

Detective Nuttal related what took place when he visited the bank in response to a telephone call on March 27. He examined a brown paper parcel, the property of accused, which was found in the basement of the bank, where accused had placed it. Among other things which the parcel contained was letting material, such as day cards, double charts, a betting ledger, also two credit slips, a cheque torn in four pieces, and a specimen signature book. His Honor stated that the case was not a simple one, although it should have been Could it be said that Hoggard was in the box as a victim of a blunder or mistake? He had made no explanation, though 'he was given every opportunity by the bank, to do so. What the jury had to decide was whether this was a fraudulant transaction.

When the jury announced its disagreement, a new trial was ordered for Monday.