FALSE REPRESENTATIONS

Evening Star, Issue 20979, 18 December 1931, Page 13

FALSE REPRESENTATIONS

CLAIMED RIGHT TO WEAR WAR DECORATIONS (Per United Press 'Association.] AUCGLAND, December 17. A recent arrival from New Hebrides, Arthur Thomas Morrison Grove, aged forty-two, was charged to-day with falsely representing himself ,to be entitled to wear the Milit.-.ry Cross, the! Flying Cross, and the D.O.M. Squadron-leader Isitt said that Grove gave him to understand that ho had had considerable service with, the Flying Corps. Doubting his statements, witness wrote to Military Headquarters and ascertained that the accused’s name was not on any official arm} 7 list. The accused had applied for the position of pilot-instructor to the * T airarapa Aero Club, and submitted what purported to be a testimonial and discharge certificate. When Grove announced his intention of giving evidence the magistrate warned him of the possibility of a perjury charge. Grove said he would go into the box, as ho possessed the decorations, but counsel dissuaded him. The accued was fined £2O, or three months’ imprisonment. Evidence was then heard on charges of theft and false pretences. , On these he was committed for trial, no bail being applied for. Ono of the credentials presented by Grove was a testimonial' from Mr D. Blandy, Acting Resident Commissioner in the New Hebrides, dated at Vila on August 8. The document said: “In spite of having no resources, he has maintained himself by working, and he lias not been a charge on the Government funds. During this time he has been strictly honest to the point of depriving himself of the necessities of life. Ho is a good painter and a fair odd-job man. He also has some capacity as a draughtsman. He is somewhat eccentric, but quite reasonable if properly handled. He served in the Great War and reached the rank of second lieutenant.”