CHARGE AGAINST A VESTRYMAN. DISMISSED BY THE MAGISTRATE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 34, 10 February 1908, Page 8

CHARGE AGAINST A VESTRYMAN. DISMISSED BY THE MAGISTRATE.

A peculiar C£se w,is heaid at the Magistrate's Court before Mr. Riddell, S.M., this morning. William Rattray Pope was charged with obtaining from Joseph William Salmon the sum of £6 0s Id by false pretences, and also committing the theft of £6 0s Id, the property of the Westland Timber Company. Mr. Levvey appeared for the Timber Company, and Mr. Dunn on behalf of the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Evidence for the prosections only was heard. It was stated that St. Thomas's Church, of which defendant was vestryman, had ordered goods which had been supplied, but not paid for. It was fuither alleged that the Vestry had paid tho money to Pope to pay the company, and the latter had not yet received it. His Worship held that the evidence produced for tho prosecution had in no way established a case. With regard to the charge of false ' pretences, His Worship stated it was quite clear that there was no intention to defraud, as Mr. Salmon., by his evidence, had stated that he was quite aware of what defendant was doing. In connection with th> charge of theft, His Worship held that no had been made. It was quite clear that there was a civil debt, but there was no need to resort to criminal proceedings. Both informations were accordingly dismissed, with costs £1 Is in favour in defendant.