ALLEGED FORGERY

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1626, 29 April 1903, Page 21

ALLEGED FORGERY

SIGNATURES OF MILITARY OFFICERS USED. "William Runciman, a comparatively young man, was charged before Dr A. McArthur, S.M., on Friday, with having on August 21st, at Wellington, forged a promissory note for £250 purported to be signed by Burton Henry Phillips, and forged an endorsement thereon purported to be signed by Dudley Alexander; also with having on October Ist, 1902, at Auckland, knowing that the promissory note for £250 was forged, dealt with it as if it woro genuine. Tho accused was undefended. Inspector Ellison, who appeared for the prosecution, said late in September the defendant called upon Mr Jamison, manager of the Northern Estate Agency and Finance Company, Auckland, and said lie wished to negotiate a loan. He explained he was unaccustomed to such things, and asked for information. Afterwards he stated ho had a promissory note signed by Major Phillips and endorsed by Captain Alexander, private, secretary to Lord Ranfurly, whom, he said, was a personal friend. Ho then asked that an advance should be obtained on the note, which he left with Mr Jamison. Inquiries proved that the persons whose names were on the note were of good standing, and if the note was genuine it would he good security. Mr Jamison’s inquiries did not make him believe that the signatures were forged. It subsequently transpired that the note was forged both back and front. .There had been an officer named Major Phillips staying with General Babington in Wellington, but he left in July. The handwriting of the signature on the note was similar to that of the accused. James Jamison, manager of the Northern Estate Agency and Finance Company, Ltd., Auckland, said the accused came to him about the end of September last, and gave the name of Major William Runciman. He represented that he was a retired officer of tho English army, and that as his pension had not come to hand r he was short of money. Witness explained that he required security or an endorsed bill. At that, interview the accused said lie had a promissory note for £250 made by Major Phillips, and endorsed by Captain Alexander. This, he said, was for money advanced to Major Phillips. Witness asked the accused to let him see the promissory note. The accused brought it in next day, and told witness Major Phillips was appointed remount officer in Wellington. When witness got tho promissory note ho had Captain Alexander’s signature verified, and then lent the accused £BO on tho note. In due course the promissory note was presented for payment and returned unpaid. 'Witness then notified Captain Alexander of the dishonour and also the accused. No reply was received from the accused. Dudley Alexander, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, deposed that he private secretary to his Excellency the Governor. The signature on the back of the bill produced was not witness’s. Ho gave no one authority to put his signature on the bill. He had never seen the accused before?. He knew Major Phillips, who was in "Wellington some time ago, but did not know his signature. As far as witness was aware, Major Phillips was not a remount officer, but was' travelling round the world. Charles L. K. Campbell, captain Sixteenth Lancers, stated that lie resided in Wellington for a little over a year. Ho knew Majo-r Phillips, and rcccilleoted his having been on a visit to Wellington. Witness knew Major Phillips’s signature. The writing on the promissory note produced was nothing like Major Phillips's writing. After hearing the evidence of Ernest R. Bloomfield, Charles Trimnell and Sergeant Haddrell, his Worship asked accused if he wished to say anything. Tho accused replied, “Nothing at present,” and on being informed that he could plead guilty if lie desired, he replied “ Not guilty.” The accused was then committed to the Supreme Court for trial.