TAXI FARE NOT PAID

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22146, 27 June 1935, Page 14

TAXI FARE NOT PAID

FRAUD CHARGE DENIED FARMER PLACED ON PROBATION [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON. Wednesday A plea of not guilty was entered by Norman Pryce, aged 34, farmer, Hinuera (Mr. Webb), before Mr. S. L. Pdterson, S.M., in the Hamilton Police Court to-day to a charge of contracting a debt of 7s 6d for taxi hire by "fraud. Evidence was given by Harry Sherwood Price that accused engaged him to run between two hotels in Hamilton yesterday and to drive him up and down the street. Accused said he had £'2o in his pocket, but later said he had nothing. Witness said he heard another taxi-driver demand money from him for an earlier debt. Accused said he had £'23 when he came to Hamilton yesterday. He gave most of the money to Mrs. Pryce. who went shopping. He spent the L'l he retained on liquor, and used the taxi to look for his wife. He could have paid if he had found his wife. To the magistrate, accused said he owed other debts, and had had judgment summonses issued against him. He would pay these as soon as he could. Accused was convicted and was placed on probation for two years. Tie was ordered to be prohibited and was also required to pay the taxi fare. On ;i ch a rge of drunkenness he was convicted and discharged.