CLAIM TO DEGREES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20958, 22 August 1931, Page 14

CLAIM TO DEGREES.

AMERICAN BEFORE COURT. REFUSAL TO GIVE EVIDENCE. FINE OF £2O IMPOSED. Ah elderly American lecturer, C. Spencer Bone, was charged in the Police Court yesterday with using in connection with his profession the initials "M.A.," with the intention of causing people to believe, contrary to fact, that he held the degree of master of arts. Detective Allan stated that on July 28 he and Detective Hunt interviewed accused in connection with representations in a circular lie- had issued that he was holder of certain university degrees. When Bono was asked to produce his diplomas he could not do so, although he showed witness a cablegram from the United States to the effect that he held degrees of the highest nature. Accused had been in New Zealand about seven years. He had conducted a theatrical school at Christcliurch a few years ago. The Magistrate,, Mr. F, K. Hunt: And now he is an astirologer ? Detective-Sergeant Kelly stated that accused had a room in the city in which he interviewed clients. In a circular he had caused to be printed he used the letters Ph.D., S.F.R.S." after his name. The Magistrate (to Bone): You have heard what the police have said. The onus is on you to prove you are what you claim to be. Accused: I can do so, but I must ask for an adjournment to get my diplomas from the United States. Are you going to give evidence ?—No, not to-day. The magistrate said he would probably consent to an adjournment if accused swore on oath that he was what he professed to be, He warned him, however, that if he gave evidence and later was not able to support that evidence by documentary proof, a charge of perjury might follow. No adjournment would ba granted if accused did not care to enter the witness box.

Bone still declined to give evidence and was fined £2O, in default one month's imprisonment*. A fortnight was allowed in which to pay the fine. Accused was advised to apply to the Minister of Justice for a refund of the fine in tho event of his claims being established at a later date.