CHARGE OF CONSPIRACY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 282, 28 November 1931, Page 22

CHARGE OF CONSPIRACY.

TWO MEN COMMITTED FOR

TRIAL

SALE OF MOTOR CARS

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Friday.

Charged with a series .of offences arising out of motor car transactions, Charles Alfred Remmers, labourer, aged '42, pleaded not guilty in the Police Court yesterday. It was alleged that-Remmers liad impersonated the Rev. Harold Harris, of. Taihape. With John Edward Fitzgerald, motor salesman,. aged 48, Remmers was also charged with conspiring to defraud John Faine of £15 by posing as a minister of a church. Both pleaded not guilty. Foul", witnesses for the prosecution said they had sold cars at the Auto Clearance House, Taranaki Street, to the accused, who had "given promissory notes. Detective Fell said that when he interviewed Remmers, Remmers denied the transactions involved in tlie charge. He also said he had never dressed as a minister of religion and denied that he had signed any documents in connection with the cars mentioned. Accused said lie was proprietor of the Auto Clearance House,' Taranaki Street. He also said that Fitzgerald was a salesman and valuer employed by him. Herbert P. Moran, handwriting expert, gave evidence. After Remmers had been committed to the Supreme Court for trial the joint charge was read, and also the remaining charges against Remmers. John Faine, secretary of the Mutual Loan and Deposit Company, said he conducting moneylending business for his firm. Fitzgerald asked him to discount a promissory note for £17 12/ for £15. The note, he said, was for some accessories sold to the Rev. Mr! Renner. Witness told Fitzgerald he would give him £15 for the note. Fitzgerald came back later with a man whom he introduced as the Rev. Mr. Renner. Witness continued that when the minister took his gloves off to sign witness noticed, that his hands,were more like a labourer's than a gentleman's. When Fitzgerald asked him for the cheque witness told him he would have to make inquiries about Renner. Witness j rang up several people, but none knew anything about Renner. Later Fitzgerald rang up and said Renner was very indignant. Witness told him that if Renner would produce his credentials he would give him the cheque.. Neither of the men came back to the office.

After further evidence had been heard the two accused were committed for trial. Bail was allowed.