Forging a Telegram and False Pretences.

Bruce Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 5, 21 January 1909, Page 5

Forging a Telegram and False Pretences.

THE MAN WITH THE PLAUSIBLE YARN. TRIAL AT CROMWELL. The following is the Argus' report of of the case referred to in our last issue: Police v. Forbes White, alias Burgess, alias Bradley, O n a charge that he 'did on the 17th December, 1908 at Kaitangata wilfully deliver to a public \ officer a telegram for the purpose of '/being transmitted as a telegraphic mespurporting to be signed by .an-, other person the same being sent withbiit such person's authority. '*' Sergeant Crawford said he arrested the accused at the first hut in the Haast Pass at 8 p,m., on the 7th inst, by virtue of the warrant produced. I mentioned the charge and accused sajd he _ knew nothing about it, since the arrest fce las been in my charge, and in course of conversation admitted he had comrriitteci the offence when under the inmience of drink—as he did not wish id put the court to any expense or trouble, if they would deal summarily with it, he would plead guilty. In reply to the Magistrate if he had ;|nything to say why he should not be * remanded to Kaitangata he replied in the negative. The Magistrate said it was a serious ofJe, and he would remand the accused to appear at Kaitangata on Wednesday, 31st January at n a.m. It would be of no use fixing bail as there would be no chance of him getting securities. Another charge against Bradley of false pretences by securing a pair ol boots and a hat from D, A. Jolly and Sons, by representing he was agent for Dalgety and Co. The accused mitted he was not the agent, but pleaded not guilty to false pretences, Evidence was given by Sergeant Crawford, Constable Bradley, D. C. | Jolly and Ernest Jolly. j —Statement of Accused.— I

In the first place I was, placed in a - very peculiar position coming by coach from Clyde to Cromwell I met a gentleman named T. Frances. I told him I was a representative of Dalgety and Co,, and was to be stationed in the Lakes district.. When we arrived at Cromwell he introduced me to all and sundry as Mr Bradley, Dalgety's agent, and I had to go on with it. Various people asked me if I was Dalgety's traveller, when I replied yes. I was introduced to Mr Jolly on Christmas morning, and in course of conversation he told me to make the acquaintance of his brother Ernest. I wanted a soft collar, and met a Mr Gray and asked where I could obtain it, Mr Jolly was standing outside the shop, and he informed me he did not stock ' them. I then went to his room on the Sunday and told him I wanted a pair of boots and hat. After breakfast he came to thie shop and gave me them. I promised to pay for them next day as toon as the bank opened. On Tuesday > • I borrowed a bicycle and went to Alexandra with the intention ot cashing &me money there and. paying what I owed. While I was there I got an inkling of the Kaitangata charge. 1 knew nothing about the Cromwell i '... charges until I was brought back to Cromwell on Saturday night. I wish to add I had every intention of paying '-■ for the goods. I,.left down about Alexandra.

The Magistrate, in giving his finding, said: lam not quite satisfied with your statement. Certainty, the position was forced on you to a certain extent by Frances introducing, you, but you must remember you started it yourself by representing yourself to him in the first instance; This in no way justified you in carrying out the representation sub seqtiently, I fine you £5; in default; 14 days in Dunedin gaol, On the second charge of obtaining 25s from D. C. Jolly, 1 give you the benefit oi the doubt and dismiss it.