FRAUD CHARGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22833, 14 September 1937, Page 15

FRAUD CHARGES

PKOSECUTION FAILS COURT ACQUITS LABOURER INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE Through the evidence for the prosecution failing to support them, indictable charges of false pretences and fraud against Thomas James Campbell, labourer, aged 57 (Mr. Aekins), were dismissed in the Police Court yesterday. Witnesses alleged that accused posed as a South African, who had bought property to start strawberry cultivation at Howick, and that he was the nephew of a prominent Howick settler.

The Rev. Frederick James Tylee, Presbyterian minister, of Howick. said he met accused about July 5, and on July 12 wrote a note introducing him to Sir. George Bell, and requesting the latter to help accused, who produced a cheque, which he said could not be cashed for two days. Accused said he was short of money, but he expected a draft for £SOO from South Africa, A retired farmer, of Howick. George Bell, said ho gave accused a cheque for £l2, when the note from Mr. Tylee was produced. Accused said he requried the money -to carry on until the end of July, when ho expected a draft for £IOOO from South Africa, which would be increased to £1250 with exchange. "He also showed me a document, on Bank of Now Zealand paper, to certify that he had 1000 acres of land," witness said. "How.ever, what weighed with me was the noto from my friend, the minister." "That seems to dispose of that charge," said the magistrate, Mr. Wvvern Wilson, in dismissing it. Relating to the second alleged offence. Harold Percival Blakey, dental surgeon, said accused arranged with hiin on February 18 to have teeth extracted and dentures made. He wanted dentures similar to those of his brother, who was said to be a constable, and which were gold, costing about oO guineas. He arranged for a temporary set, which was* fitted. "He told me he was the nephew of Mrs. Morlev Bell, and came from South Africa." witness continued. "After the temporary dentures were fitted, and I asked for a settlement, he said Mrs. Bell would bring in a'cheque. This was never done." No mention was made of Mrs. Bell before accused's teeth were extracted. . "There seems to be no evidence or fraud before the teeth were supplied, so I must also dismiss this charge, the magistrate said.