Purchase of a Ring Ends in Prosecution

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 May 1933, Page 2

Purchase of a Ring Ends in Prosecution

MAGISTRATE MAKES STRONG COMMENT DUNEDIN, Last Night. Strong comment by Mr. H. W. Bundle, S.M., followed a ease in which Zeta Benjamin' was charged with receiving a diamond and pearl cluster ring valued at £l6 knowing it to have been dishonestly obtained, and her husband, Cyril Benjamin, a partner in the New Zealand Gold Buying and Smelting Company, was charged with purchasing the ring and failing to enter the name, etc., of the ’ person from whom it was purchased. The evidence showed, that the woman defendant was relieving her husband in the shop, he being ill, and bought the ring from a youth for 10s. It was sent to Christchurch next aay with other gold pur chased. Cyril Benjamin stated that when clients brought rings they were paid for the gold and could have the stones back if they insisted. The Magistrate said such a practice could be stigmatised only as dishonest business, but seeing the woman was merely acting temporarily as her husband’s agent he was loth to convict her, though if the husband were so charged he would have convicted hinr. The charge was dismissed. The husband was convicted of the minor charge against him and fined £5, and his dealer’s license was cancelled, Mr. Bundle characterising the business as a menace to the public.