REPATRIATION ADVANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17471, 15 May 1920, Page 8

REPATRIATION ADVANCE.

CHARGE AGAINST SOLDIER, ALLEGED MISREPRESENTATION* A charge alleging misrepresentation with intent to obtain financial assistance from the Repatriation Board at Auckland, preferred. against Bertram O'Connor (Mr. Sullivan), a returned soldier," was heard by Mr. P. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Police Court yesterday. Mr. S. Mays prosecuted on behalf of the Department. It was alleged that accused wilfully deceived the board in his application last Aumist, when he stated that he required £600 to purchase a car to.start a taxi business, that he had £300, and that.he had had 12 months' experience an a taxidriver. The evidence was to the effect that accused inspected a new car, tro price of which was £625, but eventually purchased a second-hand car at £350, and did not put in £300 as promised. Tha accused, moreover, appeared to be devoid of experience as a taxi-driver, and nearly wrecked the car. Counsel for the defence said the accused, who had been four years at the ! •nor, and had been honoured by French [ and British decorations, would show that prior to coming to the Dominion he had had a license from the Waverley Council, Sydney, and had driven his father's car for 12 months. He came out of the military hospital at Narrow Neck oh August 7, 191 D, and applied for £300 'from the board, which he was to augment by another £300 from his mother-in-law. Between the time he first saw the new car and the granting of the loan that car had been sold, and the firm told him it could not be replaced. To change his mind afterwards in different circumstances removed any criminal wilfulness. The hearing was adjourned till to-day.