VALUELESS CHEQUE USED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21392, 17 January 1933, Page 12

VALUELESS CHEQUE USED

OFFENCE BY TWO MEN RESULT OF DRINKING BOUT A salesman, Thirlwall King Hayward, aged 32 (Mr. Hart), and a commercial traveller, Henry Herbert Higgins, aged 30 (Mr. Singer}, were charged in the Police Court yesterday with obtaining £5 from Mary Henderson on December 22 by means of a valueless cheque. Hayward was also charged with stealing a cheque form, the property of J. K. Johnston. Pleas of guilty were entered. Detective-Sergeant Kelly said Mr. Johnston was advised on December 23 that one of the cheques of the legal firm of which he was a member had been received at a bank in Newton, it was signed H. H. Higgins. The accused lliggins, when interviewed, said he obtained die cheque from Hayward. It appeared that Hayward entered the legal office by using one of a bunch of keys he borrowed from the caretaker of the building where he was employed. Hayward had been previously convicted. Mr. Singer said Higgins cashed the cheque at a hotel. Tho following morning he returned to pay back the £5. but the cheque had then been presented at the bank. Accused had previously been of excellent character, and his offence Vfias a foolish one.

For Hayward, Mr. Hart said accused's conduct was due to a drinking bout. The probation officer, Mr. W. J. Campbell, rec'ttinmended that Higgins' case could be adjourned for six months. As regards Hayward, who was a man of ability, it was a pity to see him in his present position, tie bad been placed on probation in 1930, and his trouble was drink. The magistrate, Mr. W. 11. McKean, extended llavward's probation for two years, warning him that it was his last chance. Higgins' ease was adjourned for six months, and the issue of a prohibition order was stipulated.