WHO SIGNED THE CHEQUE?

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 115, 17 May 1909, Page 2

WHO SIGNED THE CHEQUE?

A case was heard in the Supreme Court at Perth, Western Australia, last week, in the Supreme Court, in which W. L. Glick sued Right Rev. Dr. Gibney, Catholic Bishop of Perth, for £220, the amount of three promissory notes for £75, £75, and £70, respectively, drawn by the late Rev. Bernard Keogh, V.G., and purporting to be endorsed by Bishop Gibney. Mr. Wneatley, a land agent, deposed that he bought some land for Father Keogh in December, and obtained the promissory notes in question on account of this transaction with Father Keogh. He signed them at the Bishop's palace, leaving the room in which he signed them to obtain the Bishop's signature. At the time Keogh was much excited, and his signature was more like the scrawl of a spider than handwriting. During the absence from the room of Father Keogh, Bishop Gibney came in, and witness, showing him two spoiled promissory notes, said that Father Keogh had left the room for the purpose of obtaining the Bishop's signature. The Bishop then said : "That is a piivate matter of Father Keogh's, and has nothing to do with me." The Bishop then left the room, and, soon afterwards, Father Keogh returned with the bills endorsed. Witness then got the bills discounted by the plaintiff, and paid the amount he received (£200) into Father Keogh's banking account, for the purpose of meeting the cheque previously given to him in connection with the land transaction. Bishop Gibney deposed that the signature on the endorsement of the promissory notes was not his, nor had he seen the documents, nor ever authorised anybody to sign his name to them. He saw Mr. Wheatley and was told by him it was for the purchase of the Wesleyan College estate. He was not in favour of it, and was not interested in the deal. He had never received any ■of the money from the bills. Father O'Sullivan, Bishop Gibney's private secretary, deposed that in August last he saw the late Father Keogh sign a cheque M. Gibney. This cheque was presented at the bank and paid. Witness subsequently informed Bishop Gibney of the circumstance. Father Keogh, who was administrator of the Perth diocese, died after a short illness on 17th December last. In deciding the case, Mr. Justice Rooth said he did not like saying hard things about people, who were dead, but the conclusion which would have to be drawn from the evidence was that the late Father Keogh had committed what was alleged, or, if not,, had obtained the assistance of someone else. There was, however, no evidence of that. In the circumstances of the case, as disclosed by the evidence, his finding would have to be for the defendant.

The usual weekly session of the King's Coronation Lodge of Good Templars was held last Friday evening. Bro. L. Parris, C.T., presided over a large attendance of members and visitors. Three new members were initiated, and two othors joined under readmission ceremony. The members of the Kia Ora Lodge (H.M.S. Challenger) wore officially welcomed, Bro. Witten, C.T., occupying tho chair. After the business had been dealt with, the following contributed to an enjoyable programme. Sisters Morris and Leggatt, and Bros. Jones, Shaw, Knowles, Smith, and Battcnbei-g. Three more candidates were proposed for membership. It was announced that a trophy world be given to the member introducing most new members during the quarter. Greetings from several lodges were recohed and reciprocated.