EASY MONEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 228, 26 September 1928, Page 16

EASY MONEY.

FROM CHRISTCHURCH FIRMS.

MAN'S FRAUDS IJTVOLVE £750.

SHARP COMMENT BY 6.M,

(By Telcgrapli.—Own Correspondent.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday,

"It really is astounding to Bee the big businesses that have been imposed on," •fid Mr. Mosley, S.M., during the hearing of evidence against John Bullars McKenzie, who appeared on 28 charges of fraud, involving about £750. He pleaded guilty.

'I he four firms most concerned were the Checker Service Station Co., the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, the South Island Trading Company and the Vacuum Oil Company. With these firms McKenzie had incurred liabilities of £58, £05, £91 and £69, respectively, by representing that he had a firewood cutting contract, or two eawmilling plants, or that he was a cartage contractor. Other Man Not Caught. Chief Detective Carroll said that after accused obtained the goods another man did the selling of them. They were generally sold at much less than their value. The Magistrate: Is the other man being charged? The Chief Detective: We have not been able to get the other man, unfortunately. The goods included iron, timber, tyres, oil and petrol. Mr. D. W. Russell, counsel for accused: The commercial credulity of some of these merchants is astounding. It is a wonder we do not get a big influx of people like accused when it is known that credit can be obtained so cheaply in Christchurch. There is enough petrol to bring the Southern Cross over to New Zealand about five times.

In reply to a question by the magistrate as to what precautions were taken, Eric George Moor, accountant in the motor department of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, said the directory had been consulted without finding accused's name in the street he had given a3 his address. It had aho been found that accused had no motor trucks registered with the City Council, but he was supplied with goods after that.

The Magistrate: Surely that would put you on your guard. If this sort of thing is going on it is putting a premium on dishonesty. This man has incurred a liability of over £700, and it is through the carelessness of yourself and your fellows.

Witness: He is a plausilble and convincing sort.

The Magistrate: That is all the more reason why you should take precautions. Accused was committed for sentence.