RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 100, 30 April 1869, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Before John Sha.bp, Esq., 8.M., E. Pollock, Esq., and Wm. Wells, Esq., J. P's. This Day. John Waterhouse of Kelson, farmer, was charged with having, on or about 20th January last, forged an endorsement to a certain Bill of Exchange with intent to defraud James Pratt, of Nelson, butcher. James Pratt sworn : I am a butcher residing in Nelson. On or about the 20th January last, I discounted a bill purporting to be drawn and endorsed by Daniel Slater. I produce the bill which I received from George Harris. The amount is £25. I did not know Slater's handwriting. I do not know Waterhouse's signature. George Harris sworn : lama Land and Commission Agent. About 20th January last, I took a bill from James Pratt to get cashed. I believe the bill produced to be the one I received. Waterhouse had asked me two or three days previously if I could get a bill discounted for Mm, and I drew up the bill produced and gave it to him for the purpose of getting Slater's endorsement. He took it away for that purpose, and I received it a day or two afterwards enclosed in an envelope. I presented it to Pratt and he discounted it. The proceeds were applied to take up a bill of Waterhouse's that had become due according to his instructions. When I received the bill back from prisoner. Slater's name was attached to it. lam not familiar with Slater's handwriting. When I drew the bill I think I marked in pencil where the name should be placed. Daniel Slater sworn : I am a farmer, residing ar Wakapuaka. A bill for £25, purporting to be signed and endorsed by me, was presented to me for payment by James Pratt last Monday week. The bill produced is the one presented, the signatures are not mine, neither to the drawing nor the endorsement. I never drew or endorsed a bill accepted by John Waterhouse. I never authorised any one to sign my name. Prisoner was committed for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court.