DIAMOND MISSING

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11665, 1 November 1923, Page 6

DIAMOND MISSING

MAN GHARCED WITH THEFT MISSING JEWEL AND PASTE FILLING. ALLEGED INTENT TO DEFRAUD. A middle-aged man, Judah Barsht, appeared at the Magistrate's Court Yesterday, before Mr E. Page, S.M., on an ulloged charge of fraud. It was stated that he stole a diamond, valued at £6 15s, from Flora Battensby, ami also obtained 10s from her by false pretences. HIE MISSING DIAMOND. Flora Battorsby, the complainant, gave e\ idence stating that she lived at Rona Bay. She was acquainted with accused, .who called at her house on August 20th or 21st. While accused was in the house, witness showed him a diamond ring, which contained six small diamonds and one large diamond and an empty space where another large diamond had been, bnt whiah witness had lost. While talkin'" to accused witness asked him what it would cost to have a diamond put in the empty space. Barsht replied that his price was £O, but witness told him it was too dear," and "-aid it had been suggested to her io have a white sapphire put in. Accused said it was a -good idea, and that lie could do it for 10s. Witness then handed the ring over, with the understanding that the sapphire would be put in. Some time later accused called again with the ring, saying that it had cost him 11s to put the sapphire in. However, witness gave him 10s as arranged, but when she examined the ring she found the big diamond was gone and something else pnt m its place. Witness taxed accused with taking the diamond ont, but accused denied it Witness was sure that when she handed the ring to the accused .the big diamond '.was there. AT THE JEWELLER'S. Charles Watt, jeweller, gave evidence to the effect that he was acquainted with accused, and had done renewal jobs for him Accused came into his shop some time ago and showed him the ring, saving that he had bought it from a mim whose wife had died and be had wanted to get rid of it. The ring was minus a largo stone. Accused asked witness to put a paste in the vacant space and witness did so, charging le for it. About a fortnight later, stated witness, accused returned to his shop, and offered to sell him the large diamond for 27s 6d. Witness bought it at that price, and at accused’s reel ucefc put in another paste to fill up the gap. There was no talk of putting white sapphire® in the ring. After further evidence had been heard, accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was fixed at £2OO, and one Miretv of a like amount j accused to report daily to the detective office.