A LAND AGENT IN TROUBLE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10122, 1 November 1917, Page 4

A LAND AGENT IN TROUBLE

CONVERTING MONEY TO HIS OWN USE. (Pib Prisb Association.) OHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 31. At the Supreme Court to-day Alfred Ernest Cracldock. a well-known land agent, was charged with converting to hia own uso £350 belonging to the estate of the lato Dents Booker, of which he was trustee. It will be remembered that accused recently filed a petition in bankruptcy, hits liabilities amounting to £17.000. The case for the prosecution was that, accused received the amount and instead of paying it to the representatives of the beneficiaries of the estate, paid into hi? own ficians of hj eteestate, paid it into his awn account. The defence admitted receivin" the dm punt, but contended that accused had no intention of retaining it. Accused in evidence stated that his position was due to depreciation of securities and the bank shutting down on him. He had informed the solicitors of the beneficiaries that the amount was available and would be handed over when thu question commission was settled. The jury found accused guilty. Hia Honor referred to the other charges'against accused. Mr Raymond, for the Crown, agreed to consult with Mr Gresson on them, and the Court adjourned till to-morrow. i _ "