THE “COINERS’ DEN”

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 October 1931, Page 9

THE “COINERS’ DEN”

MANUSCRIPT IN ACCUSED’S ROdMLONDON, September 10. The discovery by the police in a room of the manuscript of part of a series of detective stories, with the announcement that the next story would be entitled “The Coiners Den, was referred to by Mr J. D. Cassels, K C., at the Old Bailey yesterday. He appeared for the prosecution iu a. case in which three men were charged with conspiracy to make and utter f.ounterteit coins. They were Anthony Moore, bl, a fitter: Joseph Eustace, 50, engineer; and'Arthur Roberts, 71, labourer. Eustace and Moore were also charged with conspiracy to forge Bank of E”"land notes. Roberts was further accused of uttering and possessing counterfeit florins; Eustace of possens’Ug counterfeit coins and materials on which were engraved figures and marks Similar to a 10/- note; and Moore of silvering a coin and having in his possession instruments for producing Bank of England notes. Mr Cassels said that Moore, who was alsc known as Everett, rented premises in Giavel-walk, Rochester, saying he wanted them for a secondhand clothing and instrument repairing business. Roberts and Eustace were visitors there. Roberts made small purchases at four shops in Tonbridge, paying for them, it was alleged, with counterfeit fiorins, and receiving change. As he was tendering the coin in the fourth shop he was spoken to by a police officer. , . , “When the police searched his room,” added Mr Cassels, “they found that he was given to literary effort, for there was a manuscript which purported te be part oi a series of detective stories.’

A SEALED ENVELOPE. On the premises at Gravel-walk was found a penny, partially silvered oyer, and later the police took possession of a large number of articles which, it was suggested, cculd be used for the purpose of making counterfeit coins and forgery. Eustace was arrested in the early morning in bed, and in a bag were found 124 counterfeit florins and half-crowns. The police also found a sealed envelope, which Eustace said should be undone carefully. Inside, it was alleged, was a glass plate with the signature portion of a 10/- note. Mrs Edith May Cooniber, of King Street, Rochester, cross-examined by Roberts, who lodged at her house for a time, said that the manuscript which had been referred to was in Moore’s writing. Roberts never led her to think that he used the room for anything but writing articles on science Roberts: The writings I did were on earthquakes chiefly, and scientific writings. The stories were nothing whatever to do with me. Detective-constable Setterfield, of the Kent police, said that Roberts made a statement to him regarding the whereabouts of one of the other defendants. In this Roberts said that he did not wish to give it in evidence, but wanted to do the police a good turn. ‘He said he was afraid that if it got to the ears of the gang that he had ’shopped’ them they would finish him eif,” added the officer. Roberts: I dispute making the remark that I intended doing you a good turn. Moore cross examined Detective Setterfield regarding a man named Briscoe, who, he said, was arrested at Dunmow. in another case and died the day after.. “I sent a petition to the Secretary of State on August - 1 ,” said Moore, “n which I mentioned that this man Briscoe han suppaed identical coins. I asked if he would have this matter thoroughly investigated. On August 5 this man died, and I sent another petition to the Secretary of State and explained the matter, find a witness is to be called ” Later in the case the Common Sergeant directed that tn., charge against Moore of silvering the coin should not be proceeded withSECRET OF A PENMr Cassels, KC., questioned Mr Albert George Marshall, overseer of the printing section of the Bank of England, about the articles found on the premises occupied by Moore- Witness said that they could have been used for making 10/- notes. A peculiar type of pen was handed to Mr Marshall.

Mr Cassels asked for what purpose it might have been used. Mr Marshall: It is an ingenious little instrument, which might help the forger considerably. In the public interest I would rather not say anything more about it. Roberts, in evidence, referred to information he gave the police as to where to find Eustace, and added: “Since then I have heard what I told them was true —that. Eustace is in tow with men of the underworld to supply these things’.” "When Eustace rose in the dock to question Roberts he said, “The evidence from now is likely to be somewhat sensational and exciting. Moore has threatened me on several occasions with bodily harm. I would like you to direct that an officer sit between us.’ ’ The Common Scigeaut made no order in reply to the requestRoberts, replying to Eustace, said, "I had nothing to do with Moore.” "I am going to prove,” Eustace declared, “that there is a diabolical conspiracy to foist the blame on me.” Later, addressing the Common Sergeant, be said: “I propose to make an offer to prosecuting counsel, subject to your'consent, to turn King’s evidence and give him all the partfculars. The Common Sergeant: You had better stick to what you have to do. Mr Cassels Roberts about the detective story manuscript.

Roberts said that Moore had left it for him to read. Eustace, in the witness-box, told bom he went to Moore’s place in Gravel-walk, Rochester, and said that he watched Moore making moulds for a half-crown. He saw Moore cut up and melt down a plated metal teapot in a pan and then pour the molten metal into the moulds. Roberts was the man who was generally known as the “dropper—the man who drops the coins on counters to change them.” lie paid fivepencc in the shilling for them. lie (Eustace) worked for Moore. Moore m evidence said that he knew nothing at all about making counterfeit coins. He had earned a few pounds as a writer of stories. Mr Cassels: Have you finished “The

Coiners’ DeH”?—Yete; It is in the hands of a newspaper. Moore said that he had also written a number of songs in the name of “Tony Moore,” including songs called “Sweetheart of Mine,” “Come Back, Sweetheart” and “Longing.” The hearing was adjourned.