N.Z. Man On Forgery Charge

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30769, 5 June 1965, Page 17

N.Z. Man On Forgery Charge

(X Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) VANCOUVER, June 3. A New Zealandborn former newspaper man appeared on trial yesterday charged with forging the signature of British Colombia’s Premier, Mr W. A. C. Bennett, on a letter to an aide of the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr Lester PearThe defence attorney, Mr Lloyd Mackenzie, told the Court that Al Williamson, aged 60, did not deny writing the letter to Mr Hal Dornan. the Prime Minister’s aide, on behalf of the application of an American millionaire, Harry Stonehill, for landed immigrant status in Canada. But, Mr Mackenzie said, the defence would contend that Williamson did not forge

Premier Bennett's signature. Williamson is also charged with attempting to have Mr Dornan accept the letter as genuine. Mr Mackenzie said four other witnesses would be called before the defence completed its ease. In a previous statement, Williamson said both Mr Einan Gunderson, a former British Columbia Finance Minister, and Mr Dornan had suggested he write the letter to Mr Dornan seeking help for Mr Stonehill. The millionaire's application for landed immigrant status was later turned down. Mr Stonehill, who made a fortune in the Philippines, has ! left Canada. Williamson told the court , he had known Mr Bennett for about 30 years. He said he handled confidential political matters for the premier and for Mr Gunderson. | The work involved confidential political matters, WilliamIson said. ( He said he wrote speeches, j letters, and reports for both the Premier and Mr Gunderson. I He also handled election

campaigns and assisted in collection of campaign funds. Mr Gunderson’s relationship with the Premier is “probably the closest relationship the premier has with anyone,” he said. Gunderson suggested people and firms to approach during election campaigns and “I have never been refused,” said Williamson. He would give the money to Mr Gunderson. He also testified about his relationship with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with which he was associated during the Second World War. Williamson said he had checked Mr Stonehill for the R.C.M.P. and found the millionaire was “clean.”