TRICK WITH WALLET

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 293, 6 September 1932, Page 9

TRICK WITH WALLET

“Ringing the Changes” Type CHINESE OBTAINS MONEY Dominion Special Service. Dunedin, September 5. “This case is after the style of ‘ringing the changes,’ ” said Chief-Detective Young in the Dunedin Police Court this morning when Arthur Wong, a young Chinese, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft of 9/-, the property of Lonard Ernest Stevenson. Mr. Young told the court that the complainant owned a fruit shop in Princes Street. Accused had called twice and asked for change of a pound note, but this was not available. However, on Saturday afternoon, when complainant’s son was in charge of the shop, accused returned and made a similar request. The boy told him that he could change the note, and accused then produced a wallet. This he opened and exhibited ’the edge of a £1 note tucked into a pocket of the wallet. Wong then asked for 10/- immediately, and said that he would return later and get the rest of the money and the wallet. He was given 9/-, but when the alleged note was examined it was found that it consisted only of the extreme edge of a note. This edge was all that co'uld be seen. Accused subsequently admitted the theft. The magistrate. Mr. Bundle, S.M., pointed out that this case might be regarded as one of false pretences. Mr. Young said that it was theft by a trick and after the style of “ringing the changes.” His Worship then directed that the charge should be amended to .one of obtaining money by false pretences. In reply to the magistrate, the chiefdetective said that he understood the Chinese community would have nothing to do with accused. His Worship: That is rather a bad sign. v Wong was remanded in custody for a week to enable the probation officer tn look into the case.