LAYING A “DOUBLE”

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 August 1929, Page 6

LAYING A “DOUBLE”

FORGERY CHARGE SEQUEL. (Special to ‘‘Star.’’) AUCKLAND, August 29. Two days before the Auckland Easter races, two men, residing at Tokirima, some miles from Taumaiunui, named Walter Leslie Cusack and Clifford Ernest Corin, posted 30/- to an Auckland bookmaker to place on the “double” of Clockwork in the Brighton Hurdles, and Bright Glow in the Easfier Handicap. They registered the letter, but as the mails did not leave for two days, they became anxious lest the money should not reach its destination in time. The men therefore drew up another letter which they gave to a service car driver to post in Auckland. . Conn signed it, “Postmaster, Tokirima. This letter informed the bookmaker that a registered letter for him from Cusack and Corin lay at Tokilima Post Office awaiting despatch. The “double” won, and Cusack and Corin stood to win £3OO. The bookmaker, however, did not pay up, and the forged document was handed to the police. Corin, when approached by the police made a frank admission that he had written and signed the letter. Cusack pleaded not guilty and he now awaits trial. At the Hamilton Supreme Court today, Corin, having pleaded guilty to drawing up a false document, came up for sentence. Mr J. J. Bell, for accused, said that although he had pleaded guilty to a charge of forgery, his offence was by no means of the gravity such cases usually assumed. Corin had been per fectly frank, and there was no question of fraud either on the Post Office or the bookmaker. His act was very stupid, and was merely prompted by anxiety to get money “on” before the race was run.

His Honor said he was fully conversant with the facts, ami he would take it into consideration that prisoner had no intention to defraud. In view of his good character, and a satisfactory police report, he would fine him £lO. He refused an application for the suppression of prisoner’s name.