A LOVE EPISODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12260, 2 May 1903, Page 3

A LOVE EPISODE.

CHARGE OF FALSE PRETENCES. Ay case in which a middle-aged widow lady complained of being' badly fleeced by a youthful lover was heard by Mr. T. Hutchison, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday. John Woulfe, for whom. Mr. J. R. Reed appeared, was charged with obtaining by means of ft false pretence and with intent to defraud, the sum of £12 10s from Isabel Senior. Ho pleaded not guilty.

Ohiof-Detective Grace called Mrs. Senior, who said she was a cook, and that six months ago she became acquainted with accused, who obtained monetary assistance from her, on the representation that his people were fairly well to do. Accused was a, canvasser at the time. She lent him £12 10s to buy a horse, and cart with on October 23 last. Chiei-Deteoiivo Grace said accused had obtained £50 in small sums from the witness.

Continuing, witness said the horse- was to be bought in her name, and used by accused. Accused shortly afterwards went away to Wellington, and made her believe that he had bought the horse. Accused obtained about £50 in all in various sums from her. Chief-Detective Grace put in as evidence a letter received by witness from accused at ralmerston North.

His Worship: What are these for? Detective Grace: To show how the woman was fleeced. His Worship (reading aloud from the letter) : Oh, you are my heart's desire." What! Chief-Detective Grace: Accused was engaged to be married to the witness." His Worship (reading on): " I'm dying to see your sweet face again. I have been a bad boy," etc. To Mr. Reed: These letters are all the same strain. Witness, continuing, said accused wrote to her stating that " Mr. Ruthe," solicitor, Vic-toria-street, had £350 belonging to him, and asked her to go and draw £i>, and send it to him. Witness was unable to find " Mr. Ruthe," and sent the money from her own funds. Accused said ho would repay the money when he got money that he was expecting from his people in Melbourne. Mr. Reed: Are you engaged to be married to accused still His Worship: Oh, Mr. Reed! I suppose that Barkis is still willin'. Witness (with hesitation): It has not been broken off. By Mr. Reed: Witness lent accused the money because she was engaged to him and loved him. She would have advanced him the. money whether he had money coming to him or not. . His Worship: The man hao evidently fleeced you, but there is no evidonoo of false pretence on fact, either past or present. Accused was discharged.