FORGING AND UTTERING.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12203, 25 May 1905, Page 8

FORGING AND UTTERING.

JUDGE'S COMMENT OX A DEFENCE, (mass AssocMtton t_uoea_.) ' AUCKLAND, May 23. At the Supremo Court, Robert- Smith, aged 28, pleaded not guilty to forging a cheque for £12 7s, in the name, of William John Gribbin, a Waikato farmer, and passing it off on Ernest James Ralph Smith, in the settlement of a bill at the National Hotel at Cambridge, and getting £5 12s 6d change. Ho was defended by Mr J. R, Lundon. A Dunedin youth, named Lauri Smith,. alias Lyons, who was represented by Mr J. 0. Martin, pleaded guilty to assisting in passing off tho cheque, and gave -ling's evidence. Opening the case against Robert Smith, the Crown Prosecutor said the accused many years ago worked in Wellington for the father of . the younger accused, Lauri Lyons, and , he persuaded the latter, at tho age of 15 or 16 years, to leave his parents ; and travel with him. They seemed to : have led n vagabond life in various - roles throughout the colony, and in' s time gravitated to the farm of William John Gribbin, between Cambridge and .. Hamilton, who employed them, believing them to be brothers. The cheque for £12 7«j (produced) was nevor given by him to either of the men, and his name on it.was a forgery. After several witnesses had given evidence. Lauri Smith was examined, and was cross-examined with considerable vigour by Mr J. R. Lundon. His Honour, addressing the jury, said: —" If yon can believe the defence put forward by the prisoner, then God help the country." Tito jury found the accused guilty. His Honour said, without excusing the younger hoy, he was convinced that the prisoner had a big hand in leading the young rascal astray. He was liable to imprisonment for life, but, of course, that long sentence would not bo imposed, although it must bo sufficient to teach him that this sort, of thing would not do. A sentence of three years was passed. In regard to tlie hoy Lauri, his Honour said that ho was in a gem:© a first offender, and he would, therefore, ask the probation. officer to report on him noxt 3londay.