ALLEGED FORGERY

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 55, 28 November 1929, Page 11

ALLEGED FORGERY

LETTER TO EDITOR OF NEWSPAPER MAN COMMITTED FOR TRIAL By Telegraph.—Press Association. Rotorua, November 27. A case of special interest to newspapers was heard yesterday in the Magistrate’s Court, before Mr. Paterson, S.M. Charles Henry Campbell Worthington, editor of the Rotorua “Chronicle,” proceeded against James Alexander Ritchie, described as a labourer, on three counts of forgery: (1) By making a false document, a letter addressed to the editor of the “Chronicle,” Rotorua, purporting to be signed and made in whole by one Robert Yule of Rainbow Mountain, Rotorua, who did not authorise the making of such letter; (2) by making a false document, a letter addressed to the editor of the “Chronicle,” Rotorua, in the name of one Robert Yule of Rainbow Mountain, Rotorua, with the fraudulent intention that such letters should pass as being made by the said Robert Yule; (3) by making a false document, a letter addressed to the editor of the “Chronicle,” Rotorua, purporting to be signed and made in whole by one Robert Yule of Rainbow Mountain, Rotorua, a person ■who did not. in fact, exist. The informant gave evidence of the receipt of a letter which made certain reflections on State forest management and afforestation companies. The writing was well known to him as that of Ritchie. Inquiries at the State forest, and at the affqrestation companies failed to find Yule. A further letter for publication received from A. Cook couched in similar terms, decided the editor to take action. The “Chronicle” had previously suffered heavy damage through false signatures attached to correspondence. Evidence was given by William T. Morrison (Conservator of Forests). V. T. Fail (manager of Afforestation Proprietary). H Johnson (manager Perpetual Forests). T. G. Ouilter (forest guard). All denied knowledge of Robert Yule. The defence admitted writing the letter. staging it was copies for Robert Yule, whom they would produce when found. Defendant pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed for trial at the Supreme Court at Hamilton on February 24. Bail was granted.