ALLEGATIONS OF FRAUD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18468, 3 August 1923, Page 12

ALLEGATIONS OF FRAUD.

MATERIAL FROM SHOPS.

PLEA: OF NOT GUILTY.

\ Three' charges of having. obtained painting materials and wallpaper by means .of false pretences were made against William McDonald, aged 35, in the Police Court yesterday, before Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M. The- total value of the goods obtained was ' £39 ,75.: ~: Accused was alleged to have obtained possession by lalsely representing that he had a painting and paper-hanging contract at Mareretu, near Maur^gaturoto.": ; : : ! Duncan McGregor Simpson said that accused called at his shop, stating that he was painting and papering several houses at■■: Mareretu.'*■; As a result, witness gave accused some materials, which were alterwards taken away.. Witness had not Been' accused since. Evidence regarding a similar occurrence was given by George Simpson. On that occasion, accused took the goods away i\ in a v taxi, a 3. he said 'he was in a hurry, to. catch a train. .' Evidence of the sale of : some of the material by accused to .another man was given. Acting-Detective Barling said that accused at first refused to make a statement, ; but later said he,; would plead guilty. , ', " ■'■; : Accused pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. He also pleaded rot guilty to the theft of a gold ring, valued at £1. Accused, who was stated "to be an habitual,criminal and to have a long list of previous convictions, was sentenced .to ; one month's imprison, ment. -:;; >:.:^ : >:■'.: -'■■■: •■:■