SIX MONTHS FOR FRAUD

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 57, 1 December 1923, Page 16

SIX MONTHS FOR FRAUD

AN ELDERLY” MAN’S FALL Some time back. His Worship the Mavor warned householders that a certain man. who was taking orders for house numbers and collecting thb money without supplying the numbers. was doing so without the authority of the Citv Council. Tho seauel to this Seaming was the appearance in the Magistrate’s Court vesfrerdav morninp- of an elderly man, Georo-o Prior Harris. charged with obtaining sums from householders under false pretences, and with the intent to defraud. Mr. E. Page. S.M.. was on the Bench “I admit receiving the money,” said accused., when asked to plead, “but I denv that I attempted to defraud.” Ellen Perry said that some twelve months ano Harris called at her house and stated that she had no number on her.gate, and that she should have one. He had marked 1 a cross on the gate, and had intimated- that someone would call and put the number on. He had then collected 3s. “And for

twelve months I heard no more of him, apd no number came,” added witness. Other witnesses gave evidence along similar lines-. “Drink appears to he accused’s trouble.” said Acting-Detective Murray. “Ho has had several warnings, and has been a nuisance to tho public with regard to tlie numbers,” Chief-Dctectiv'e Kemp stated that Harris had been convicted for theft on three previous occasions. Harris was convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with hard labour.