IMPOSED ON CHARITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20333, 14 August 1929, Page 14

IMPOSED ON CHARITY.

INMATE OF THE INFIRMARY. CLAIM TO BE DESTITUTE. MONEY IN SAVINGS BANK. "This seems to liavo boon .1 determined attempt to impose on the Hospital Board and tho board regards these offences as serious," said Mr. Cocker, who represented tho Auckland Hospital Board in a prosecution brought against William Davis in tho Police Court yesterday. Davis was charged under section 52 of tho Police Offences Act with making a false declaration stating that ho was destitute in order to obtain freo accommodation at tho Auckland Infirmary, whereas ho had £77 in tho Post Ofhco Savings Bank. Accused was asked whether ho would elect summary jurisdiction or have the case heard by a Judge and jury. "Whichever is beneficial to me," ho replied. Questioned again, Davis stated ho would prefer to be dealt with by a jury. "You may have difficulty in finding bail," pointed out tho magistrate, Mr. F. K. Hunt "You may have to wait three months in gaol " Accused made rib reply and the caso was stood down for hearing to-day A few minutes later accused was brought into tho Court again and stated ho would bo dealt with summarily, pleading not guilty. Mr. Cocker said Davis had applied to the board on May 31 for admission to tho infirmary and in r»'ply to the relieving officer had stated he was destitute. After medical examination lie wan admitted to the institution, where ho remained until iast Monday. While accused was at the infirmary a woman with whom h<\ had boarded handed over some of his effects to tho board and among these was found a bank book, which showed aceusod to have been in possession of £77 the day ho made tho application for admission In April accused's credit in tho Sav ings Bank was £173, continued Mr. Cocker, but accused had been drawing sums of £5 and £lO until the day he applied, when he drew £5. The woman with whom Davis boarded said accused had told- her to keep the hook and to be careful not to let anyone know he had an account When questioned about tho book accused had said ho thought it had been stolen the night before ho had applied.

After evidence had been heard to showthat accused had tho account accused repeated Ins statement that ho believed the book had been stolen or lost when he asked to be taken in at the home.

"Tho lb. rifal Board has had some suspicious cases lately," remarked Mr. Cocker. "This is obviously a premeditated attempt made at a time when tho board's resources are strained to the utmost." Davis was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour and was ordered to make payment of £lB 18s foi accommodation at the home for nino weeks, and the costs ot the prosecution, £2 2s.