AUCTION “BOOSTERS”

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11702, 14 December 1923, Page 4

AUCTION “BOOSTERS”

PART WITH THEIR MONEY ALLEGED FRAUD PERPETRATED AT AUCKLAND. CHEAP GOODS AT BIG PRICES. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, December 13. Peculiar auctioneering methods were alleged in the Police Court, when Clarence Russell, 38, and James Henry Abrahams, 24 years of age, were charged with having conspired to defraud Jefferson Davis Edwards of £195 and Alexander Percy Young of £193. Two charges of having obtained money by false pretences, by representing that the money would he returned, were also preferred against them. MONEY NOT RETURNED. Edwards stated that he went into the Centrai Auction Mart, Queen street, where Abrahams asked him to assist in “boosting” the bidding to advertise the auction. He was assured hie money would be returned after the sale. There was little competition, and Abrahams 6tood at his elbow urging him to call out bids periodically. A variety of articles, the large part being of the familiar imitation cheap-jack quality, were knocked down to him. Edwards said he paid £6O for alleged silver articles, valued later at £5 10s,and the total payments amounted to £195 in cheques. When witness asked for his money back, accused denied all knowledge of arrangement for its re turn. “CAUGHT HIS EYE.” Yonng gave similar evidence, saying that Abrahams whispered to him: “The next item will be wristlet watches. I’ll catch your eye for one.” Witness continued: “He caught my eye, and it cost me £3.” Witness stated he obtained binoculars worth £2 10s for £3O, and apparently a worthless ring and marble clock for £IOO. He paid £245 in cheques, and on a refund being refused, went to the bank, where he discovered that cheques amounting to £193 had already been cashed. He stopped payment of the remainder, and shortly afterwards ’ received £IOO through the post from Russell without explanation. NO CHANGE TENDERED. Another witness said he tendered £5 in payment for a watch bought for £2. He received no change, but a cake of shaving soap, razor and 6trop, and pocket wallet were thrust upon him. Accused pleaded not guilty, reserved their defence, and were committed for trial. Bail was fixed at £4OO each.