RELIEF FRAUDS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1933, Page 5

RELIEF FRAUDS

GUILTY VERDICT

FAMILY WITH £8 15s WEEKLY

(Per Press Association Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, May 15

In the Supreme Court before / Air Justice Ostler and a jury, Keith' Bartlett was charged with obtaining relief rations valued at £2 10s 6d.. from the Wellington Hospital Board while falsely representing he was the only'member of the Bartlett, family working. He pleaded not guitly. Mr Marzengart said there were two. charges of obtaining rations by false pretences. Inquiries made showed that, at the time referred to members of the Bartlett family were earning a total sum of £8 15s 2d. - a week.

Evidence given by officers of the Hospital Board was to the effect that Bartlett obtained grants for a period of - four years. The accountant of the I’atea Farmers' Co-operative Freezing Works said that Alfred James Barlett, - father of accused,, from December .1931 to October • 1932 earned £lß9'.

The manager of a firm of coopers said Lionel, son of accused, during the past three years, received wages amounting to £299. The accountant cf J. C. Hutton New Zealand Ltd., said a brother of accused since October,. 1930 had received wages, totalling £172, Members of the family gave evidence concerning illness and unemployment. Mr Cornish for accused, said that on tlie day the statement was made the 'accused was the only member of the- family working. Mr Justice Ostler said the accused should net be acquitted on account of his youth. The question was of some .importance. The amount spent on charitable aid was increasing yearly. There were many eases of, distress, and there: was insufficient money to go round. This family must Lave had hilnclreds |of pounds in charitable aid. The prisoner was found • guilty on the charge of relating to statements diet -liifide bn August lst/ /with : a ; recommendation of mercy’ , ;lte i was remanded Tor sentence.;.;?/://;.. Charges' were also ;/';lfiicl.-f against a.sister of : accused, (mo bbing , withdrawn. There was a verdiet of not guilty on the other.