FRAUD ALLEGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 102, 2 May 1935, Page 8

FRAUD ALLEGED.

SALE OF COSTUMES.

QUESTION OF OWNERSHIP

ONE CHARGE DISMISSED

Appearing on summons in the Police Court this morning, Arthur Bertram Taylor was charged that, on December 28, with intent to defraud, he obtained from Richard Corten the sum of £40 by falsely representing that lie was the owner of about 00 costumes, and that lu> had a branch shop artel an agreement for finance up to £50.00, There was a furthei charge of obtaining £35 from Willi:;.'!! Matthews, on January 24, by falsely representing that he was the owner of about 50 costumes.

Senior Detective Hall prosecuted, Air A. V. Fraer appearing for Taylor.

Richard Corten, an unemployed salesman, said that while in a relief camp near Waiiganui in "December last, lie replied to an advertisement inviting men to advance £30 or £.30 to pay for stock in return for employment as manager of a drapery shop at a salary of £2 per week and commission. He later met accused in Auckland, paid him £40, and began working for Taylor at £2 per week and 10 per cent commission. Taylor promised that witness would later be given the management of a branch shop in Otahuhu. After three weeks' work witness said he found that the frocks or costumes did not belong to Taylor, and that Taylor had no othci branch shops. At the end of six weeks Taylor owed him £.'J for wages. Later, as the result of requests, Taylor paid him £10 10/, but he still owed' him £23 10/ of the £40 advanced and £3 lor wages.

Cross-examined by Mr. Fraer, witness denied that lie had agreed to lend Taylor the £40. Taylor had not said that the £.3000 represented the turnover on 1000 suits. When witness saw his solicitor ho ilid not make any allegations against Taylor. He admitted entering into an agreement under which Taylor was to pay him £2 per week for the money owing. He received £10 10/ from Taylor, hut then cancelled the agreement, and later went to the police and laid an information against Taylor.

Allegations Denied. Detective Waterson produced a statement which Taylor made and signed. In this Taylor denied Corten's allegations, and said that he told Corten the frocks were on consignment. Taylor said he had six men working for him, and that Corten "walked out," otherwise he would still bo in his employ.

After hearing evidence concerning the second charge, the magistrate, Mr. Wyvern Wilson, said it was evident that Matthews had fully considered Taylor's proposition. The evidence was not strong enough to warrant sending accused for trial. The charge was therefore dismissed.

"However, the first charge is different, because of some written evidence about which I do not propose to comment at this stage," said the magistrate.

On this charge Taylor pleaded not guilty, and was committed to the

Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed in his own recognisance of £50.