CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15824, 24 July 1913, Page 4

CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD.

CHARGE AGAINST EMPLOYEES.

THE ONEHUNGA CASE.

(Peb United Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, July 22,

Four men, William Morrow Saunders, Henry Lloyd Da vies, Wm. Henry Owens, and Richard Tyrell, employed at Onehungn by the Union Steam Ship Co., were charged at tie Police Court to-day with conspiring to defraud the- company. A fifth man, William Caldow, was charged with obtaining money from the company by false pretences.

Chief Detective M'Mahon outlined the case for the prosecution. He said Saunders was employed at Onehunga by the Union Company as wharfinger. He was empowered to hire the requisite labour. Thursday was the customary pay-day, and it was the duty of Saunders to make out the pay-sheets. He would then telephone to the head office in Auckland stating the amount of money required for the weak's wages. A cheque would be drawn for that amount, and having cashed it the pay clerk would take the money to Onehunga and pay the hands. A labour order was issued to each workman stating the amount due to him. This order had to be signed by Saunders. When a man was unable to be personally present to draw his pay a written order could be obtained, authorising someone else to obtain' his pay and to sign a receipt for it. Saunders would sign this order too. It was alleged by the prosecution that Saunders, making use of Davits, Owens, and Tyrell, who were employed in subordinate positions, signed money orders made out in tho names of bogus workmen. One of the four accused always signed the receipts for these men, who never appealed in person to claim wages. These alleged bogus names appeared so frequently on the paysheets _ that suspicions were aroused as to their genuineness. Inquiries were 6et on foot, which culminated in the arrest of tho accused. Saunders helped the detectives to find out the full amount of the alleged _ fraud. Tho part that Caldow played in the matter was somewhat different. He was alleged to have done some work for the company, but to have been credited with longer hours than those during which' he really worked, and to havo in this way received more pay than he was entitled to. All tho accused made signed statements 3fter their arrest.

Each of the accused pleaded not guilty, and all were committed to the Supreme Court for triaL