RELIEF FRAUD

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1933, Page 5

RELIEF FRAUD

BOARD’S ACTION CHARGES AGAINST FAMILY. - ■' . v ■ ' (Per Press Association — Copyright.) WELLINGTON,; March 10. Allegations that , in three years relief and rations to the value of £498 odd had been obtained from'the Wellington Hospital ■ Board by means oi false representations’ were made au the Magistrate’s Court to-day when charges against two of four members of a family alleged to be concerned were proceeded ■ SvitH. : ; Mona Bartlett was charged with'being a rogue and .vagabond in that she had obtained' rent, coal, boots, and shoes by falsely representing that none of her family, were • working. Keith Bartlett was charged with being a rogue and ,vagabond in < respect of two alleged offences )of ‘obtaining rations valued, at £2 11s 0d by falsely representing that he was the only member of the family working.., Alfred James Bartlett* and Maud Bartlett, the: father and mother respectively did, not; appear, and a medical certificate that they were unable to appear was produced. Counsel for the Board indicated that the alleged offences took .place from September 1929 to October 1932, and it would be shown,’ he raid, that the lowest weekly income of. the family during the period was, £6:11s; and highest £ll 16s 6d, combining wages and grants by the Board, and in additional grants which were made from other sources. The charges are being dealt with as indictable. Both of the accused were committed for trial.'