OVER THE TELEPHONE.

Mataura Ensign, 1 July 1914, Page 5

OVER THE TELEPHONE.

PEB UNITED PEBSS ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCHURCH, June 30. A young woman was arrested this afternoon by Detectives Ward and Gibson, charged with the perpetration of a smart fraud yesterday on Messrs W. Watson" and Co.", jewellers, Colombo Street. Mr Watson, it is alleged, at his mail) establishment was called to the telephone, when a female voice sa/d the speaker was Mrs (mentioning the name of a well-known ChrisU'hurch lady); and wished to make a present to her niece. The niece would, came to the branch sho-" in a few minutes, and would Mr Watson see that she got a nice watch ? . Very shortly the young lady arrived at the. shop in a smart motor-car, with a chauffeur at the. wheel. She was smartly dressed, and the shop assistant felt no qualms and handed over to the "niece" a little gold watch ticketed at £7 10s, which "Auntie" would pay for. Half an hour later the telephone rang again, and onco more 3lrs gave Mr Watson, an order. So delighted, said the sweet voice over the 'phone-was her "niece"" with the watch that "Uncle" also desired to make a presentation, therefore the "Jiieoe" would icome hack to the .shop' and select another article, which ' tncle," Mr , would pav lor. though the account must not be sent in before the 12th of the month. Again did the young ladv arrive at the branch shop, and tliis time she selected a ring valued at £5 10s, and away in her motor-car she departed again. Having an imeasy feeling, Mr Watson this morning rang up the lady whose name had been given on.the telephone, and learnt that neither she nor her husband had over sent a .nsei-o or anyone, else to Mr Wffrson's shop. The 'matter was promptly put'in the hands of the police, with the result that the above-mentioned arrest was effected.