A BOGUS SQUATTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6739, 20 September 1883, Page 3

A BOGUS SQUATTER.

(Melboutno Argus.)

After enjoying a criminal career of almoßt unexampled immunity for a considerable time, a bogus squatter, giving the name of Arthur J, Coates, has been arrestad at Sandhurst on a charge of stealing a valuable buggy, the property of Messrs Stevenson and Elliot, coach, builders, King streot. The accused, who is advanced in years, and presents tho appearance of a man of property, has succeeded in victimising a number of leading Melbourne merchants arid warehousemen to the extent, 4it is stated, of between £2000 and £3000, by impositions and representations of the most flimsy character. As far as can be ascertained, the accused commenced' operations in Victoria by making a number of large purchases from Messrs M'Ewan and Co., ironmongers, of Elizabeth street, when, upon being asked for a reference, he declined to give one, on the plea that if any doubt existed a 8 to hiß lonajidcs he would prefer to pay for his purchases at once. He did so, by giving a cheque on a Sandhurst bank for something like £400, which was duly honoured upon presentation. He represented himself aB a squatter from South Australia, and stated that he had just purchased a large valuable station in the Sandhurst district, where he purposed starting his son in business. The cheque having been honoured ao promptly, the first transaction was considered satisfactory by tho firm, and, aa a natural consequence, further large purchases were made on credit, but up to the present time Messrs.M'Ewan and Co. have received no further" consideration than a few .dishonoured bills. Similar transactions took place between the accused and Messrs Briscoo and Co., Alteon and Co., Stevenson and Elliot, and other leading firms in the city, who allege that they have been most grievously imposed upon and swindled. In the case of Messrs Stevenson and Elliot, the accused obtained a buggy and other articles, it is alleged, by means of false representation, and immediately, sold them and consigned them to New Zealand. Whilst the buggy was in trarmtu, however, and on the way to the steamer by which it was consigned, it accidentally became damaged, and was unsuspectingly taken by those in whose charge it was placed to Messrs Stevenson and Elliot for repairs. It was at once recognised, and upon inquiries being made it was ascertained that the statements made by Coates were not strictly in accordance with truth, and proceedings were instituted, which resulted in the arrest being made as already stated. The accused was brought before the Sandhurst Court on Saturday, and remanded to appear at the Melbourne City Court to-day.